Award Data

The STTR topic N19A-T013 seeks innovative technology to improve the power density and efficiency of propulsion and power generation devices. To address this challenge, Spectral Energies in collaboration with its academic partner Dr. Rory Roberts at Wright State University proposes to develop a compact heat recovery system based on a supercritical CO2 based Rankin Cycle. At the end of the STTR prog ...

Accurate characterization of and propagation modeling through the Marine Boundary Layer is critical for maximizing Electro-Magnetic (EM) systems signal exploitation for naval asset offensive, defensive, and stealth operational performance. Strong temperature and humidity gradients in the Surface Boundary Layer lead to optical paths exhibiting Electro-Optic Infrared (EOIR) anomalous refraction and ...

The U.S. Navy seeks methods to improve the fuel economy of marine diesel engines through utilization of waste heat. Low temperature engine jacket water, lubrication oil, and aftercooler air are largely untapped streams of thermal energy on these ships, but their utilization circumvents many operation challenges associated with exhaust gases. For example, variable and high exhaust gas temperatures ...

Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) are currently limited in the type of missions they can perform. Limited available power limits which sensors can be run or for how long, and also limits the duration and range of the mission. More efficient propulsion systems would increase the power available to the UUV payload. Improved power distribution systems and control systems would also increase the ava ...

The objective of the Phase I proposal is to investigate the application of controlled cavitation cleaning technology in conjunction with gecko-inspired mechanical adhesion and soft elastomeric applicators for use in non-intrusive EOD operations. This investigation requires the proof-of-concept testing and validation of a controlled cavitation cleaning mechanism, and a soft robotic gecko-inspired m ...

The littoral environment is especially demanding on tactical sonar systems, in large part because the spatial and temporal variability imposes sonar system operating conditions of a nature and with a scale heretofore not encountered in the open oceans. Recent Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsored basic research as well as fleet exercises have shown that littoral environments tactically importan ...

The US Navy operates a vast fleet of combat and support vessels with complex power control systems under the control and decision authority of human operators. Several current resources such as SPY-1D radar and Vertical Launch System (VLS) and future resources such as railgun, AMDR, and high energy laser (HEL) are energy hungry, exceeding current and planned power generation capability when deploy ...

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects people, data, and "things" (e.g., software, sensors, platforms), facilitating the translation of information into actions. Although naval platforms’ networks and communication suites have evolved significantly in the past few years to support such required connectivity, one of the greatest technical challenges still facing the military community is the proce ...

Qualification of additively manufactured parts is hampered by the inherent uncetainty in properties due to heterogeneity in processing, microstructure, and defects. The proposed effort combines high-throughput testing of static and dynamic properties using tailored sample geometry, fixture design, and load application method with microstructure quantification and analysis. This system will drastic ...

TrueNano, Inc. will in collaboration with the University of Colorado and industry partners, develop a novel single-wafer, high-throughput hot filament CDV reactor for the growth of high quality silicon carbide (SiC) epitaxial layers, suitable for the next generation of power electronic devices and systems. This includes the design and simulation of the reactor, the development of a throughput mode ...