Award Data

This proposal is a joint effort between Qualtech Systems, Incorporated (QSI), the Institute for Software Integrated Systems at Vanderbilt University (VU), and Hamilton Sundstrand (HS) in Rockford, IL. QSI and VU have the combined knowledge and experience in successful development of a novel solution to aircraft system and subsystem prognostics and maintenance tools and have developed state-of-the- ...

The objective of this project is to develop an integrated condition monitoring, fault diagnostics and prognostics scheme for power electronic converters and electromechanical devices, e.g., advanced induction motors, specifically targeting the DD(X) platform and subsequently expanding the scope for addressing the needs of other defense-related and commercial applications. An additional goal of th ...

At present, turbine NDE is typically a time consuming collection of inspections that includes manual testing of holes and channels for blockages, multiple flow tests and various inspection technologies such as ultrasound, eddy current and radiography. Thermography has also become a widely method used to perform various inspections. However, many of thermographic inspections require different equ ...

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in warfare, reconnaissance, and surveillance activities has increased dramatically over the past decade and, for the first time, offers cost effective, intelligence-gathering capabilities without placing soldiers and sailors at unnecessary risk. Current UAV platforms have already been equipped with a limited range of sensors such as miniature audiovisual ...

An advanced vector hydrophone towed array is proposed for surface ship torpedo defense applications. Vector hydrophone promise to provide much-needed array gain in aperture-constrained systems. The additional gain results in significant increases in detection ranges and/or decreases in false alarm rates. A physics-based vector sensor array simulator will be developed in a modular architecture. ...

A critical design feature for a towed mine countermeasure platform is low drag. In this STTR we propose to integrate an efficient acoustic source within a low drag body to perform influence mine sweeps behind an unmanned surface vehicle. To develop the optimum system a trade-study is proposed during Phase I to examine electronically-powered transducers and novel hydroacoustic concepts. The tran ...

In response the U.S. Navy's desire to continuously improve its undersea weapons capabilities, Design By Analysis, Inc. of New Britain, Connecticut in conjunction with the University of Connecticut's Global Fuel Cell Center propose an auxiliary electrochemical power system for use in undersea weapon systems. This novel concept modifies an existing thermally propelled torpedo to include Proton Exch ...

This project addresses the development of hybrid propulsion system technology for undersea weapons. The system will integrate a solid oxide fuel cell with a conventional engine or turbine. The proposed system is anticipated to have a superior range compared to conventional propulsion systems as the power for surveillance operations will be provided by a more efficient SOFC subsystem. The conven ...

This work investigates the feasibility of developing a LADAR simulator that can reliably predict automatic target identification ranges based on target aspect angle, level of obscuration, and extent of camouflage, concealment, and deception present in the scene. We will construct high fidelity target models under well-documented conditions to serve as target truth models; modify an existing 3-D ...

Virtual EM Inc. proposes to develop STAP techniques using machine learning algorithms for eventual implementation in critical radar systems. These algorithms require less time to train than neural networks. Virtual EM's simulation packages will be used to train the algorithms for array element failure, multi-path and jamming mitigation as well as interference from ground and maritime clutter. The ...