Award Data

Current-generation SAF terrain reasoning algorithms consume a great deal of computational resources. This doesn't leave enough resource, to run better, more sophisticated terrain reasoning algorithms or additional, more sophisticated higher-level behavioral models. This adversely effects fidelity and requires more expensive hardware. Emerging, more sophisticated terrain algorithms will exacerba ...

We propose to utilize photonic technology to produce high-power short-duration pulses for surface penetrating radar applications. The electromagnetic pulses are generated by using a PIN diode circuit which is biased at high voltage. The static electric energy stored across the diode junction capacitance can be discharged through illuminating the diode with an optical pulse produced by a diode la ...

This proposal describes an approach for identifying advanced concepts and innovative technologies which will, with high confidence, lead to the subsequent development of covert/low profile, miniature, efficient, robust, reconfigurable/adaptable and inexpensive antennas suitable for a variety of existing and emerging hand-held VHF/UHF radio terminals. Our methodology is structured so as to identif ...

Be-Al alloys are unique, light weight, in-situ composite alloys that combine high specific stiffness and substantial strength with good ductility and toughness. This conibination of properties makes these alloys attractive for many high performance aerospace applications. Nuclear Metals, Inc. (NMI) has developed a new family of castable Be-Al alloys and the manufacturing processes necessary to p ...

The Department of Defense and their contractors are currently limited in their ability to fabricate high temperature thermal protection and structural materials and include those materials in new aerospace vehicle designs without risk of thermally induced material failures which might compromise the new designs. Major improvements in structural designs will be difficult without cost effective mat ...

Physical Sciences Inc. proposes a small arms scoring system based on a unique and innovative application of interferometry. The system is precise enough to satisfy the accuracy requirements of the Army Test and Evaluation Command and is immune from temperature and humidity effects. Any caliber munition from 22 caliber to >40 mm can be scored at velocities up to and exceeding 1550 m/s. In contra ...

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to show the feasibility of using a novel, spectrally-selective IR imager for the passive standoff detection of chemical agents and hazardous chemicals. The concept is based on the insertion of a tunable etalon into the field-of-view of an IR imaging system. The approach takes advantage of recent advances in the development of staring IR focal plane arrays, w ...

This project applies a combination of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Genetic Algorithms (GA), and CAD software to the problem of optimum armor design. Previous work for TACOM has established the efficacy of ANN/GA as applied to the problem of 1-D armor design. This new work will extend the concept to full 3-D vehicle geometries (CAD models). The CAD part of the code will handle the 3D data d ...

Most helicopters in use and in production today carry tail rotors that are mechanically driven from the main turboshaft powerplant through a complex system of shafts, transmissions, and couplings. The configuration requires intensive maintenance and continuous monitoring for signs of possible failures. Two key technologies have been identified that would, together or separately, improve performa ...

The problem facing many U. S. high temperature material vendors is the high cost and long span times required for testing with "conventional" techniques. The higher the heat flux required for the test, the more expensive the test, and the more elaborate the facility required. The cost and schedule required for testing by "conventional" means becomes a global competitiveness problem for U. S. hig ...