Award Data

We propose to develop a commercial weakly ionized plasma modeling capability based off of Tech-X’s high energy density plasma fluid code TxFluids. The new additions will be able to be used to model hypersonic vehicle physics including shock waves, plasma chemistry and innovative techniques for blackout mitigation and hypersonic vehicle control through the application of electric and/or magnetic ...

We apply the theory of partially observable Markov decision processes (POMDPs) to the design of guidance algorithms for controlling the motion of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with on-board sensors for tracking multiple ground targets. While POMDPs are intractable to optimize exactly, principled approximation methods can be devised based on Bellman’s principle. We introduce a new approximation ...

The objective of Phase I is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the various multi-reference coupled-cluster (MRCC) methods that have been proposed for the description of molecular states depending upon near degeneracies and non-dynamic electron correlation. Such effects are encountered in bond breaking, at transition states, for complex open shell systems like transition metal atoms, and f ...

Quantitative predictions of reactive flow dynamics from large-scale simulations of Liquid Rocket Engines (LRE) appear to be model dependent. Relationships and coupling among the dominant mechanisms most responsible for destabilization are obscured by the complexities of the model and subtle consequences of inherent ad hoc approximations not supported by mathematical rationale. The reliability of ...

We propose algorithm development and efficient GPU implementation of numerical PDE solvers based on four novel high-order methodologies: 1) High-order Discontinuous Galerkin approaches, 2) Fast High-Order boundary integral methods, 3) Convergent FFT-based methodologies for evaluation of computational boundary conditions, and 4) Fourier Continuation methods. These methodologies are applicable to a ...

The need for faster highly resolved solutions coupled with the advent of General Purpose Graphics Processing Unit (GPGPU) architectures and the development of GPGPU algorithms at the University of California, Davis present an opportunity that JMSI Inc. proposes to leverage by developing algorithmic and software solutions for GPGPUs in “Innovative CFD Algorithms, Libraries & Python Frameworks for ...

The ever-decreasing size of the electronic microchips and the ever-increasing density of electronic components required to support future Air Force platforms are creating the problem of substantial localized heat generation that can impair component operation. State of the art thermal interface materials (TIMs), that are used to dissipate heat from the source to the spreader in a microchip, are se ...

The occurrence of combustion instability has long been a matter of serious concern in the development of liquid-propellant rocket engines due to the high rate of energy release in a confined volume in which energy losses are relatively small. Shear layer instabilities and intermittent growth rates of the mixing layer cause fluctuations in the burning rates and result in acoustic waves triggering ...

The demand for higher performance and rapid transition of new technologies into extreme performance has lead to the need for engineered materials and surface modification technologies. The present proposal is focused on finding a surface engineered solution that can withstand exceptionally harsh environments such as those found in supersonic ground test tracks or rail gun environments. This SBIR p ...

Based on our success in developing the world first commercial high power femtosecond fiber laser system and our leading technology development in ultrashort pulsed fiber laser and nonlinear fiber optics, PolarOnyx proposes, for the first time, a compact all fiber based high power (>kW) mid-IR supercontinuum source (1-5 micron) to meet with the requirement of the AF solicitation AF09-BT01. The lase ...