Award Data

MZA partnered with the University of Notre Dame proposes to conduct high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations providing volumetric time-resolved aero-optical disturbance modeling for rotary-wing aircraft flow dominated by wing-tip vortices. We will develop detailed wave-optics models of a baseline Navy helicopter beam director including engineering-level simulations of the beam ...

Small combat dive teams require a situational awareness capability that combines robust, low probability of detection (LPD) communication with navigation/tracking functions. The project will result in a compact terminal for underwater acoustics based communication, navigation and tracking. The Diver Messaging and Navigation Terminal (DMNT) will be rugged and easy to use, warranting a description ...

Yotta Navigation and The Ohio State University propose to develop a complete diver text messaging and locator system. The system will securely transmit preformatted and free-text messages, and will be able to accurately determine range and bearing, at distances of up to 1000 meters. This system consists of two major components. An ultrasonic cylindrical array, mounted on a swimmer delivery vehicl ...

A clean-slate approach is needed for the design and implementation of wireless networks that self organize and can scale with the number of users, devices, and information objects and services that network users wish to share. This project will develop a new architecture and protocols for wireless networks in which naming, addressing, routing, and channel access are redefined to take into account: ...

Remote ocean instrumentation often relies on floating buoys with sensors to acquire time series measurements such as ambient noise, acoustic tracking or communications. The operating lifetime of small remote buoys is limited by batteries (often to 12 - 24 hrs), and recharging is so inconvenient or impractical that many small sonobuoys are designed to scuttle themselves after about a day. The assoc ...

Photonic links and networks offer numerous advantages to analog RF systems including inherent wide bandwidth, a reduced size, weight and improved flexibility, and nearly lossless signal. Current all-electronic delay line systems based on microwave components suffer from high signal loss and dispersion as well as large size and weight. An efficient way to achieve true-time-delay beamforming is to u ...

A diagnostic is being developed for aircraft engine exhausts that measures three velocity components in a slice through the plume. The method measures the Doppler shift of laser light scattered from particles naturally present in the flow, such as soot or dust. Two key areas of uncertainty were investigated in the Phase I study: 1) scattered light intensity from soot particles of sizes and concent ...

Transphorm proposes to demonstrate a normally off fast high voltage Gallium Nitride power switch solution. The switch would block to 1200V, have a threshold voltage greater than 5 V, and the phase 2 switch will target an on resistance less than 15 ohm-mm and current more than 1 Amp. To accomplish these targets, Transphorm will combine the design requirements of realizing a high (and positive) thre ...

Decision making is driven by context. Context can be hard to operationalize and harness to the design of decision support systems. Modern military task displays often omit important context which can lead to singificant errors. This problem is exemplified in undersea warfare and specifically contact management for safe littoral navigation. In littoral navigation, workload may be high and team memb ...

Warfighters face overwhelmingly complex and uncertain situations in which they must make life-and- death decisions. Today"s information systems often overwhelm decision makers still further. Attention to results of cognitive science can contribute to the design of a new generation of systems that are far more helpful: based on knowledge of user roles, tasks, and context, systems can help proactive ...