Award Data

This project offers a novel polychromatic target-in-the-loop atmospheric sensing (TILAS) concept for in situ characterization of the combined effects of atmospheric turbulence, refractivity, transmittance, and optical path difference (piston phase) over long-range, low elevation angle atmospheric paths. The proposed concept allows practical implementation of a modular compact TILAS atmospheric sen ...

The proposed Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will determine the technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing emerging blended-reality technologies that enable interoperability with LVC simulations to create more effective and comprehensive Battlefield Airmen training environments. The proposed training technologies will be integrated across multiple platforms ...

The automotive and aerospace industries use topology optimization to minimize structural weight while satisfying functional constraints. However, the industry-standard fictitious material or density approach has been less effective when applied to physics beyond simple structural mechanics. Known issues include: failed numerical convergence or so-called gray material in computed optimal designs, n ...

Computational design is encountering barriers due to chaotic dynamics. The characteristic unpredictability, aperiodicity, and sensitivity to initial conditions in chaotic dynamics requires computationally costly time-dependent analysis. Computationally costly analysis precludes sampling-based optimization, indicating that chaotic systems would significantly benefit from gradient-based optimization ...

This program will develop an engineering framework for the design and failure analysis of high strain composite (HSC) laminates. The program will first test several HSC laminates to generate a statistically significant dataset for flexural strength. Testing will be performed for short and long term stowage conditions. Initial and ultimate failure modes will be identified and documented using sever ...

In partnership with the Strausfeld Lab at the University of Arizona, BNS proposes to develop an Amplitude and Polarization High-speed Image Display (APHID) based on our previous VIS/NIR Hyperspectral Image Projector (HIP) design. Using BNS-developed liquid crystal (LC) spatial light modulators (SLMs), this display will provide high-speed multispectral wide-field visual stimulus to invertebrates ov ...

As both the response speed and sensitivity of thermal imagers have improved significantly over recent years, new IRSP systems are needed to provide greater dynamic range and faster response speeds. Addressing these issues, as well as producing a cost effective and modular IRSP system will be critical for providing quality scene projection for the next generation of infrared imagers. To address the ...

The proliferation of commercial, visible and infrared wavelength laser systems is increasingly becoming an existential threat to our warfighters, which drives the need for further EO/IR sensor and eye protection development. Current fielded sensor protection is limited to fixed wavelength filters. Broadband filters designed to circumvent multi-wavelength laser threats are plagued by low transmitta ...

Realistic surgical simulation requires a combination of representative tissue geometry, accurate tissue material properties and lifelike tool-tissue interaction forces. Recent advances in computational power and imaging modalities have provided the capability to represent the anatomical details required for surgical training; however, the mathematical models which govern the underlying tissue pro ...

Accurate knowledge of heat flux is critical in assessing the performance and survivability of hypersonic aerodynamic systems. Under these flow regimes extreme pressures, temperatures, and vibrations make it difficult to quantify even the most basic aerothermodynamic properties. Ahmic Aerospace and Virginia Tech propose an innovative new approach to develop robust heat flux sensors and a data reduc ...