PROJECT TITLE: Inexpensive Off-Head Eye-Tracking for Computer Interaction
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose to develop a novel computer interface for air traffic control specialists (ATCSs) that integrates voice recognition and eye-tracking to enable hands-free interaction with an ATC display. The proposed research is innovative in that it presents a novel, alternative approach for ATCSs to interact with graphical displays (using eye and voice) that can be efficient and cost-effective provided that eye-tracking can be made robust, non-intrusive and inexpensive. The primary objectives of this R&D are: (1) to determine how eye/voice interaction can best be used in an ATC interface; and (2) to develop the necessary off-head eye-tracking technology to make an ATC eye/voice interface practical. The ATCI concept depends on having off-head eye-tracking and will only be cost-effective when the price of eye-tracking drops. We anticipate producing an eye-tracker design and engineering prototype that can be produced in large quantities for a few hundred dollars per unit. The expected benefits of the ATCI are: (a) more efficient interaction by replacing some voice intensive interactions with natural use of point-of-gaze, and (b) improved performance over voice recognition only solutions in high noise, multiple speaker environments.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed research will result in inexpensive eye-tracking that will both enable new applications and provide an alternative to mouse and keyboard use. Application areas include: (1) hands-free operator-machine interaction for complex process control operations, e.g., air traffic control, space operations, and power plant control; (2) hands-free interfaces for commercial and military aviation and space crewstations, (3) teleoperation of vehicles such as unmanned ground or aerial vehicles; (4) assistive device technology for persons with disabilities; and (5) general consumer computer use.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Franz Hatfield
Synthetic Environments, Inc.
1401 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 300
McLean , VA 22101
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Synthetic Environments, Inc.
1401 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 300
McLean , VA 22101
PROJECT TITLE: Integral 3-D Display for Air Traffic Control
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a multi-perspective 360 degree look-around integral 3-D projection display that will enable air traffic control crews to view and analyze all aircraft activity in the airspace simultaneously, without wearing special 3-D glasses. The proposed integral 3-D display will be automultiscopic: a series of narrow view perspective images of a 3-D scene or object are optically projected in a high-speed sequence, through the use of a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator (FLC SLM), onto a spinning holographic optical disk. This display will be in the form of a tabletop workbench, and will present multiple viewers around it with integrated 3-D images as seen from their own perspectives, overcoming the shortcomings of conventional stereoscopic 3-D displays. In Phase I, POC will design a laboratory prototype and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method by integrating our high-speed FLC SLM with a holographic optical disk fabricated for the demonstration. When fully developed, the proposed multi-observer viewable integral 3-D display will be able to show distortion free, high resolution, full color, gray scale 3-D images suitable for many NASA applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial applications of the integral 3-D display will be in video games, CAD/CAM, surveillance photogrammetry, training and simulation, air traffic control, molecular modeling, and medical imaging.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Kevin Yu
Physical Optics Corporation, E&P Division
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100
Torrance , CA 90501-1821
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Physical Optics Corporation, EP Division
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100
Torrance , CA 90501-1821
PROJECT TITLE: Adaptive Human/Machine Interface for Advanced Air Traffic Management
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The development and fielding of free flight air traffic management systems and procedures will dramatically change human roles and responsibilities in the airspace system. These systemic changes will create new challenges for the development of effective human/machine interfaces (HMIs) for air traffic control. Innovative HMIs must be developed to allow controllers to visualize air traffic information and rapidly identify airspace areas where controller intervention is needed without creating information overload and excessive workload. We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a situation-adaptive HMI for advanced ATM operations incorporating two key functions:· A means of generating a high-level computational assessment of the current air traffic situation · A methodology for generating a situation-adaptive interface, so that what the operator sees and hears can be interpreted accurately and readily in the context of the current air traffic environment We propose a five-task development effort, consisting of: 1) problem scope specification; 2) development of SA models; 3) development of HMI content management strategies; 4) implementation and demonstration of a limited-scope prototype; and 5) requirements specification for full-scope development. Concept feasibility will be demonstrated using commercial off-the-shelf components in a simulated air traffic environment.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed technology will directly support the development of effective concepts of operations and human/machine interfaces for free flight. The proposed approach also offers the potential for the development of innovative HMIs for the coordination of unmanned aerial vehicles. Adaptive interfaces and situation assessment technologies offer potential in other high-value operator/system environments, including power system control rooms and process control centers.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Sandeep S. Mulgund
Charles River Analytics
One Alewife Center
Cambridge , MA 02140
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Charles River Analytics Inc.
One Alewife Center
Cambridge , MA 02140
PROJECT TITLE: Augmented Reality Vision System for the Tower Controller
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The augmented reality vision system for the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower provides a controller-centered augmented reality display system improving human visual performance in monitoring airport surface operations under poor and zero visibility conditions. Aircraft identification, position, velocity and attitude and/or heading are data-linked to a tower-based data collection center. A 3D Computer Generated Image (CGI) of the airport, all aircraft and surface vehicles, as would be seen by the tower controller in good visibility, is computer generated by dedicated computers. The video signal is displayed to the controller by projecting the scene onto either a head-mounted augmented reality display or binoculars that provide augmented reality imagery. Full 360° horizontal viewing is available to the air traffic controller by turning his/her head. The air traffic controller uses this augmented reality display to monitor aircraft on arrival, direct aircraft to gates after landing, and back to the runway for take-off. The system concept also supports airport surface vehicle operations. The system interfaces with FAA Ground Traffic Control for cleared taxi routes and with the Airport Movement Area Safety System (AMASS) for surface movement information. This innovation will assist NASA by improving system capacity and capability and reducing aircraft accidents.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Potential commercial products include: the augmented reality vision processing system including interfaces to the aircraft systems and datalinks; the Personal Display ViewerTM; the database data collection center apparatus including interfaces to a D-GPS-based ground vehicle positioning system; and, the overall system integration at each airport.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jimmy Krozel, Ph.D.
Seagull Technology, Inc.
16400 Lark Avenue
Los Gatos , CA 95032-2547
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Seagull Technology, Inc.
16400 Lark Avenue
Los Gatos , CA 95032-2547
PROJECT TITLE: Chaos in Air-traffic Management
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
As air traffic control evolves toward a more automated system, with decreasing direct control by air traffic controllers, a serious issue arises as to the likelihood that chaotic behavior will occur, and the likelihood that this chaotic behavior will result in unexpected system behavior such as sudden increases in traffic density and traffic delays. This proposal details an analytical approach to these problems based on what is called the Huberman Hogg (HH) equations developed by Bernardo Huberman and Tadd Hogg. Even the initial results given in this proposal show that chaotic behavior will result in the presence of information delays and information errors. This proposal also shows that in traffic modeling, even in the case of stable behavior with no apparent cause, there will be sudden bursts of instability. This has significant implications for air traffic control. Under the work proposed we will investigate these issues both analytically and through simulation. We will also code and test a software agent-based air traffic control system for a small set of ATC issues, and we will evaluate both the performance and possible chaotic behavior of this system.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Planning, scheduling, and resource allocation (PSR) software is in great demand, with companies with products in this area selling for as much as 50 times their total installed base. IAI has been working on PSR software using distributed autonomous agents, and the work herein proposed will investigate an important new application of that work. Additionally, the potential problem of chaotic performance of distributed decision making systems is a fundamental problem which has not seriously been investigated, and important commercial software tools to address this problem could result from the work herein proposed.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Leonard Haynes
Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place, Suite 202
Rockville , MD 20850
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place, Suite 202
Rockville , MD 20850
PROJECT TITLE: Airport Surface Communication and Surveillance
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project supports thepreliminary research of an integrated state-of-the-art wireless communication and control system that will provide air traffic control (ATC) to airport surface-vehicle communication, complete airport surface-vehicle surveillance by ATC, and automated airport surface-fleet management. Currently, inefficient surface movement causes significant delays for both air-cargo and passenger flights that result in adverse economic ramifications. Additionally, inadequate surface control has led to collisions between surface vehicles and aircraft. The proposed system will significantly enhance the efficiency of airport surface-vehicle movement and ensure safe control of this movement. This SBIR supports research to establish: 1. the frequency spectrum of the channel most suitable for the proposed wireless system; 2. a statistical model of the channel; and 3. the optimal selection of the many parameters of the system.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Air-cargo operators and passenger carriers incur significant operatingcosts due to aircraft delays. This creates a strong commercial market for technology that increases the efficiency of airport surface operations. A goal of the proposed research is to develop bandwidth-efficient wireless systems for communications and tracking. This will enable airlines to improve the coordination between their surface operations and their business model. Additionally, the United States government has set very aggressive goals for the reduction of runway incursion incidents, thus increasing demand for a comprehensive surface-management solution to be used by air-traffic controllers.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Steve James Shattil
Idris Communications
4980 Meredith Way #201
Boulder , CO 80303
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Idris Communications
4980 Meredith Way #201
Boulder , CO 80303
PROJECT TITLE: Low-cost Aircraft Identification and Surveillance System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Rannoch Corporation proposes to develop a low-cost (i.e., under $300K) 1090 MHz Multilateration/Line of Position (LOP)/Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) surface surveillance system, which uses the following cost-saving technology innovations: a two-receiver identification/position determination algorithm, GPS synchronization, and passive Mode A/C multilateration. The proposed system addresses Topic 01 Aviation Safety & Capacity, Subtopic 01.02 Advanced Concepts in Air Traffic Management, by providing low-cost surveillance technology which can be used to locate and identify traffic operating on the airport surface. This surveillance enhances safety by enabling ATC to have a situational display of traffic movement, as well as automatic runway incursion detection alerting. The system can be used as an enhancement to primary surface radar (i.e., Airport Surface Detection Equipment [ASDE]-3) by providing identification of aircraft targets and providing surveillance position aiding in regions where the radar does not provide reliable coverage. Another application of the system is standalone aircraft surveillance; a low-cost standalone system is needed at airports that have not qualified for any currently fielded surveillance system due to cost-benefits ratio analyses.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The multilateration/LOP/ADS-B surface surveillance system has the following commercial applications: (1) Airport surface surveillance to support runway incursion detection; (2) Airport surface surveillance to support traffic automation for FAA systems such as Surface Movement Advisor; (3) Airport surface surveillance to support NASA's Dynamic Runway Occupancy Monitoring system; (4) Terminal area surveillance to support Precision Runway Monitoring; and (5) Terminal area surveillance to provide surveillance of ADS-B-equipped aircraft.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Carl A. Evers
Rannoch Corporation
Suite 430, 1800 Diagonal Road
Alexandria , VA 22314
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Rannoch Corporation
1800 Diagonal Rd. Suite 430
Alexandria , VA 22314
PROJECT TITLE: Indoor Simulation of Mixed and Snow Icing Conditions
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
There are requirements and advisory materials under the FAA (USA) and JAA (Europe) that must be satisfied prior to flight into mixed icing and snow conditions. To achieve certification for flight into these conditions, aircraft must demonstrate in test and flight that they meet those requirements, some of which are as yet undefined. In the USA, the only available facilities at which these tests can be conducted are located outdoors and are subject to weather and seasonal constraints. None of the outdoor facilities addresses the need to include airspeed aspects for in-flight conditions. Currently, there exists no year-round indoor facility in the USA or Canada for controlled testing in Mixed Icing and Snow conditions. Such a facility would significantly aid OEM?s in the design phase of snow protection equipment by reducing cost and time to gather meaningful data. The objective of this innovation is to create snow and mixed icing conditions in an environmental chamber and closed-loop wind tunnels where indoor testing can be accomplished in a controlled and repeatable manner year-round. This involves designing appropriate nozzle geometries, defining the corresponding pressures and temperatures for specified wetness (or dryness) conditions, and controlling the ambient relative humidity for consistency and repeatability.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
A test facility is intended to reduce the time spent looking and chasing--sometimes in vain--for the actual conditions under which the aircraft is to be tested. As more becomes known about the icing environment, the greater will be the need to test for mixed and snow conditions in addition to supercooled water droplet environments. A testing facility can be a valuable tool if it can operate independent of the season with repeatable conditions by reducing the time spent in pursuit of a specific type of environmental condition and the cost involved. The capability proposed herein will provide the basis for development of a system that can be incorporated in the NASA Lewis Icing Research Tunnel (IRT) or other similar facilities in the nation. This is because the Cox icing tunnel has the size and flow capability sufficiently large to permit reasonable extrapolation to larger facilities. The LeClerc Icing Research Laboratory at Cox will offer the advantage of a controlled access to aircraft and engine manufacturers for conveniently testing in supercooled droplets, snow, or mixed conditions year-round.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Kamel Al-Khalil
Cox & Company, Inc.
200 Varick Street
New York , NY 10014
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Cox & Company, Inc.
200 Varick Street
New York , NY 10014
PROJECT TITLE: Artificially Induced Hydrophobic System for Aircraft Anti-Icing
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A thin build-up of ice on a wing or tail can substantially increase drag, disturb aircraft aerodynamic performance, and has caused numerous aircraft accidents. Current de-icing mechanisms leave some residual ice on the airfoil and most impose substantial weight and power penalties. A method for artificially inducing hydrophobic behavior on an airfoil surface for anti-icing and de-icing of aircraft is proposed. It has been demonstrated that a small correctly polarized electrical current passed through the junction of an ice (or water) and metal surface will neutralize the bonding forces that cause the ice to adhere to metal. The electrical path can be implemented by a thin film electrode pattern that neither intrudes into the interior of the wind nor alters the aerodynamics of the wing. Innovative dynamics, Inc. proposes to evaluate this concept in an embodiment characteristic of an airfoil moving through air. By artificially creating a hydrophobic surface, we expect to obtain light weight, low power anti-icing that is free of residual ice.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial applications include general aviation, commuter, and transport aircraft airfoils, propellers, and engine inlets, as well as helicopter and tilt-rotor blades. Other applications include ship and building superstructures, bridges, and power-generating turbine inlets.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jack A. Edmonds
Innovative Dynamics, Inc.
2560 North Triphammer Road
Ithaca , NY 14850
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Innovative Dynamics, Inc.
2560 North Triphammer Road
Ithaca , NY 14850
PROJECT TITLE: Thermal Electric Anti-ice De-ice System for Metallic and Composite Air Frame, Air Foil Structures
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A thermal-electric anti-ice de-ice system with a heating element of flexible graphite bonded to a heat conducting polyurethane. Flexible graphite is a material that can be altered to the thousandths of an inch to produce a heating element with variable watt density. This heating element can then be zoned to produce optimum heat in critical areas of an airfoil or structure.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The flexible graphite heating element is of such efficiency, light weight and size as to pose no significant changes in aerodynamic performance to most airfoils and structures, making it suitable for most general aviation aircraft. Significant interest is also present in the helicopter industry with their need for de-ice systems on rotor blades requiring a variable watt density from the root to the tip of the blades.Commercial aircraft will also benefit from the huge weight savings for tail section de-icing with the graphite heater vs. bleed air.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Robert Rutherford
EGC Enterprises, Inc.
8833 Quail Circle
Kirtland , OH 44094
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
EGC Enterprises Inc.
140 Parker CT.
Chardon , OH 44024
PROJECT TITLE: Globally Stable Design and Analysis Tools for Reconfigurable Systems with Saturating Acuators
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
When aircraft operate with effectors at their rate or position limit, thecontrol loop is opened and a number of problems can occur ranging from performance degradation to loss of stability. For this reason, most modern control laws are designed to avoid actuator saturation during normal operation. In the event of a failure, however, it may be necessary to operate with one or more actuators in saturation to achieve the required level of closed-loop performance. This research will develop global analysis techniques and design tools for linear systems subject to actuator saturation. Building upon promising results obtained using a semi-global framework this research will address robust global stabilization in the presence of matched uncertainties (e.g., actuator saturation), robust output regulation from global initial states, and disturbance decoupling with global asymptotic stability. It is expected that the techniques developed in the proposed effort will lay the groundwork from which more challenging global control problems in the presence of actuator saturation, unmatched uncertainties, and unmatched disturbances can be approached. As part of the effort, the proposers will develop a prototype MATLAB toolbox to assist engineers in applying these techniques to practical control problems in a wide range of application domains.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed research will significantly advance the state-of-the-art for control of systems with saturating actuators. Because saturation is, perhaps, the most common type of nonlinearity encountered in modern control systems, the benefits of the research will be widely applicable to a variety of areas, including reconfigurable flight control. It is hoped that the research will ultimately lead to global robust control in the presence of unmatched uncertainties and disturbances. Additionally, there are currently no software products on the market that can assist with the design and analysis of controllers for systems subject to saturation nonlinearities. The proposed prototype MATLAB toolkit will benefit engineers in disciplines ranging from aerospace to chemical process control by facilitating design of improved controllers with known stability properties for systems with saturating actuators.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
David G. Ward
Barron Associates, Inc.
1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 300
Charlottesville , VA 22901
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Barron Associates, Inc.
1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 300
Charlottesville , VA 22901-0807
PROJECT TITLE: Model-Based Fault Detection and Identification
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The innovation herein detailed is a technique for designing model-based fault detection and isolation (FDI) for Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) at the system level. Most model-based FDI approaches use the system dynamic models directly. The problems with these approaches are that the system dynamic models are very complicated and the system topology may not reflect the actual flow of failure information. Our FDI approach is based on "Dependency Model" (DM), which describes the high level information flow during the occurrence of failures or faults. Therefore, DM is more suitable for FDI than the system dynamic model. The most difficult task in DM-based FDI is the generation of the DM. For example, it usually takes several men/months to generate a DM for a regular avionics system. In this Phase I work, we propose to develop a technique to automatically derive a DM from a GNC system dynamic model described in a system level simulator such as MATLAB and SIMULINK. When integrated with testability analysis tool developed by IAI from previous works, we can have an automatic tool for designing FDI for GNC. The result of this research can reduce the time and cost of FDI development significantly.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This FDI design tool will find a big commercial market in the airplane industry and government agencies including NASA, Air Force, Army, and Navy. We can package it as a software package to be used by clients, or we can use it to provide FDI design services for customers. The proposed design tool can be extended to other parts of spacecraft systems, such as propulsion system, environmental control and life support system, hydraulic system, electrical power system, attitude control system, etc. In addition, the same technology can be easily applied to ground and ocean vehicles. Therefore, the proposed design tool has a huge commercialization potential.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Chujen Lin
Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place, Suite 202
Rockville , MD 20850
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place, Suite 202
Rockville , MD 20850
PROJECT TITLE: Fault-Tolerant Object-Oriented Code Generator
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Quality Research Associates proposes developing a software tool to automatically generate interface code that integrates user applications with object-oriented (OO) modules from a library of software fault tolerance techniques. The approach involves generating high-level, OO code for inclusion in an application. The tool-produced code includes subclass specifications and shells, as well as code that describes the application scenario to the appropriate fault tolerance technique executive from the library. The approach?s key innovations include automatically generating subclass shells, generating ?infrastructure? code to facilitate application integration, providing structured ?hints? within stub code comments to aid users, and designing the automated code generation tool to work in conjunction with a reusable code library and a Software Fault Tolerance Design Assistant (SWFTDA) tool for selecting fault tolerance techniques. By automating tedious integration coding, the proposed technology would remove a significant obstacle to using the library of software fault tolerance techniques, especially for legacy systems that are not designed around OO constructs. Automating integration code generation and combining it with existing library and design utilities creates a powerful, end-to-end system that speeds development, reduces coding errors and increases developer productivity.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The technology assists system developers using software fault tolerance techniques for high-reliability computer systems, such as systems for commercial aircraft, plant control, medical device control, and transaction systems. Our approach provides an important part of an end-to-end development tool for fault-tolerant applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Laura L. Pullum
Quality Research Associates, Inc.
2875 Williams Farm Drive
Dacula , GA 30019
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Quality Research Associates, Inc.
2875 Williams Farm Drive
Dacula , GA 30019
PROJECT TITLE: Visual RAD Environment for Formal System Development
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
ArrowLogics will further develop a design infrastructure for complex systems by carefully reducing to practice the results of decades of research on formal design concepts. This infrastructure includes mechanisms for structuring design representations horizontally (components) and vertically (abstraction layers), while ensuring compatibility of component designs and preservation of required properties under change of abstraction levels. In practice, the reuse of existing tools and components is critical; so is the proper choice of notation or language depending on the component, aspect, or abstraction level considered. To establish semantic cohesion it is therefore necessary to make precise the interaction of tools and components that are based on different formalisms. Our design technology therefore supports multiple logics within the same environment. The innovative aspects of our technology lie in the creative combination of concepts from several mathematical disciplines, the realization of the combined theoretical framework using leading-edge, mainstream technologies, and the visual interface to the semantic design structures.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Our technology is applicable beyond software to other engineering disciplines, for instance hardware or mechanical design. It will allow the rapid production and controlled adaptation of high-integrity systems and algorithms. We are in discussion with major aerospace, telecommunications, and hardware design companies about possible applications of this technology. Specialized design environments will be constructed by populating our RAD infrastructure with specific design formalisms, languages, tools, and interfaces. The exact form and nature of the resulting design environments will vary across application domains and organizations. The need for specialized interfaces may be called for by different engineering traditions. The nature of application domains and the need to protect organizational investments in particular tools calls for the integration of different tools in different circumstances. Despite different appearances, all these environments would be organized by the same infrastructure-provided general concepts, ensuring in particular semantic coherence.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Y.V. Srinivas
ArrowLogics Corporation
848 Corvallis Drive
Sunnyvale , CA 94087
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
ArrowLogics Corporation
848 Corvallis Drive
Sunnyvale , CA 94087
PROJECT TITLE: System State Determination for Real-Time Sensor Validation
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Expert Microsystems and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) will develop an innovative state determination algorithm to improve the performance of our real-time sensor validation system. Automated detection of sensor failures provides an immediate return on NASA?s investment by reducing the manpower, schedule and uncertainty associated with sensor failure detection. Our innovation is a system operating state determination algorithm which enables the sensor validation algorithm to be optimized for each operating state of the physical plant. Our sensor validation system, recently developed for NASA, uses ANL patented algorithms which have been shown to provide high fidelity sensor validation for nuclear power stations. The sensor validation technique is centered around implementations of the Sequential Probability Ratio Test and Multivariate State Estimation Technique algorithms. We will augment these algorithms with a Learning Vector Quantization neural network algorithm to automatically characterize the current operating state of a physical plant. Phase I culminates in production and delivery of a prototype run-time module which validates flight accelerometer data for the Space Shuttle Main Engine with high reliability across all operating states of the engine. The resulting sensor validation system will be widely applicable to NASA launch vehicles, ground support systems, and industrial machinery monitoring.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Requirements for sensor data validation exist in mission critical aerospace and industrial control and safety systems where data integrity is essential. The technology is applicable to any process or vehicle control application where: time-critical, closed-loop control and safety monitoring depend on sensor input; or unexpected process interruptions due to sensor failures or false alarms are uneconomical. Launch vehicles clearly satisfy both criteria, as do many other NASA and DoD mission critical control and sensing applications. Most power generation and chemical process plants also satisfy both criteria. In 1996, ANL and Expert Microsystems entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) to develop and commercialize an innovative methodology and software product addressing this wide-spread need. Our Sensor Validation System automates the production of application specific sensor validation run-time modules which are embeddable in the users process control environment. These real-time capable modules enable improved safety, reduced maintenance cost, and optimal economics for many process-oriented enterprises including aerospace vehicle and ground support systems, power generation plants, and chemical processing plants.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Randall L. Bickford
Expert Microsystems, Inc.
7932 Country Trail Drive, Suite 1
Orangevale , CA 95662-2120
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Expert Microsystems, Inc.
7932 Country Trail Drive, Suite 1
Orangevale , CA 95662-2120
PROJECT TITLE: Isolation-Enhanced Principle Component Analysis
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This Phase 1 SBIR proposal details an approach to equipment health monitoring which is able to diagnose a specific failure without an analytic model, and without data obtained for specific failure cases. It is quite common to add sensors to electromechanical equipment to detect and hopefully even diagnose failures. The basic idea of these approaches is to check whether the current measurement data taken from the Unit Under Test (UUT), on-line or off-line, are still in agreement with system nominal models which are representations of the relationships between inputs, disturbances, and outputs when the UUT is behaving normally, and under specific failure cases. If an inconsistency between a system nominal model and real-time measurements is detected, faulty components and sensors/actuators within the system need to be identified. Most systems in use today are model based, but the models are difficult to develop and are generally very imprecise. There are non-model based schemes but these require data from systems with specific failures to be able to diagnose failures. In practice, such failure data is very difficult to obtain. Our Isolation-enhanced PCA approach supports fault detection, and diagnosis of certain failures with no model, and without specific failure data. Only date for nominal operation is required.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Our commercialization goal is a set of software tools which allow detection and diagnosis locally or even across the Internet. Other tools we are developing provide support for remote repair actions, with video and audio provided across the Internet.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Chiman Kwan
Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place, Suite 202
Rockville , MD 20850
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place, Suite 202
Rockville , MD 20850
PROJECT TITLE: Automated On-line Health Monitoring, Failure Detection and Identification using Interacting Multiple Models (IMM) Kalman Filters
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
On-line autonomous sensor and actuator Health Monitoring-Failure Detection and Identification (HM-FDI) is becoming a critical issue in aircraft health monitoring, as the number of on-board and off-board sensors and actuators, as well as the complexity of each one of these sensors, has increased substantially during the recent past. SSCI propose an innovative approach to on-line autonomous Health Monitoring, Failure Detection and Identification for aircraft and spacecraft systems based on a novel combination of the Interacting Multiple Model (IMM) approach and on-line System Identification (SI), that will be called ``adaptive IMM''. The IMM algorithm was originally developed, and has been successfully used, for tracking maneuvering targets, but its application to FDI is completely new. In this new approach, each possible (anticipated) failure is mapped into a different state space model. For each one of these models, a Kalman filter (KF) computes the individual state estimates and the likelihood function corresponding to that model. The individual estimates are weighted with the probability of each model being correct (derived from the likelihood functions) to give a single (accurate) state estimate. SI is needed for detecting and identifying unanticipated failures (for example, partial degradation due to battle damage of an actuator surface or aircraft surface). On-line SI is performed using an approach based on Deterministic/Stochastic Realization Algorithms (DSRA) which identifies a state space model of the system from the multi-input multi-output (MIMO) measured data.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The Health Monitoring/FDI system to be developed during this Phase I will be of direct application to Bell Helicopter's Eagle Eye UAV (already being fly-tested). Bell has expresed its interest in the HM/FDI system proposed here, and a succesfull completion of Phase I will lead to a prototype implemetantion during Phase II to be tested at Bell's flight lab and hot-bench facilities, and commercialization during Phase III. There is also an increasing number of industrial application where advanced process control is heavily dependent on sensor information, and a sensor FDI system would be of direct application. In essence, any closed loop system that use information provided by a sensor will benefit from an FDI.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Constantino Rago
Scientific Systems Company, Inc
500 West Cummings Park, Suite 3000
Woburn , Ma 01801
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Scientific Systems Company, Inc.
500 W. Cummings Park Suite 3000
Woburn , MA 01801-6503
PROJECT TITLE: Detecting the Onset of Fire in an Aircraft by Employing Correlation Spectroscopy
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In-flight fire is a potential catastrophe. The incident on July 17, 1996, involving TWA Flight 800, is one example. Damage to life and property can be minimized, if not entirely eliminated, by employing a device that would detect the onset of fire and provide early warning. A fire is preceded by an induction stage in which some marker compounds are released in the air. For example, one can smell odors from an overheated electrical wire. Examples of these markers include carbon monoxide, hydrogen chloride, oxides of nitrogen and hydrogen cyanide. By detecting marker compounds selectively and sensitively, this Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of a commercially viable fire onset monitoring system (FOMS). FOMS, an all fiber optic device, will use an intracore tunable filter to perform correlation spectroscopy a form of absorption measurements. Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS), Inc. will construct and test these filters tailored to precisely match the spectral characteristics of the marker compounds in the near infrared region. The use of intracore tunable filters will lead to a low cost, intrinsically safe, and field deployable system without using expensive wavelength-tunable laser diodes or bulky "reference cells" filled with target gases.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Aside from aircraft use, FOMS can be installed in large buildings for fire protection. Spin-off products for chemical detection will have great commercial value in the remote monitoring of environmental contaminants, chemical process control, oil exploration, and mine safety. NASA will directly benefit by installing FOMS in spacecraft and space stations.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Kisholoy Goswami, Ph.D.
Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.
2520 W. 237th Street
Torrance , CA 90505-5217
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.
2520 W. 237th Street
Torrance , CA 90505-5217
PROJECT TITLE: Study of Agent Effectiveness in Suppression of Aircraft Post-Crash Cabin Fires Using Advanced FT-IR Diagnostics
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The life safety problems in post-crash aircraft fire scenarios are particularly complex, as one needs to address a number of critical issues: high environment temperatures, high radiative heat fluxes, flammability of the polymeric cabin materials, toxicity of pyrolysis and combustion products, and interactions of the fire suppression agent (if used) with material pyrolysis and combustion products. Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. (AFR) and its affiliate, On-Line Technologies, Inc. (On-Line) have developed advanced FT-IR diagnostic methods for combustion systems and incorporated these methods into advanced material evaluation instruments, such as a high temperature Oxygen Index (OI)/FT-IR apparatus developed for the Army Materials Laboratory. The overall objective of the proposed program is to evaluate a test procedure and apparatus to investigate the interaction of fire suppression agents with pyrolysis and combustion products of representative polymeric aircraft cabin materials in high temperature, high radiative heat flux environments. This work will be comprised of four tasks: 1) selection of representative polymer samples; 2) modification of an existing OI/FT-IR apparatus, followed by fire suppression tests with the measurement of gaseous products and smoke by FT-IR spectroscopy; 3) analysis of data and evaluation of product toxicity; and 4) final evaluation of this method/apparatus.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The potential commercial applications of the enhanced OI/FT-IR instrument and testing/procedure include product development, fire suppression agent screening materials testing, and quality control in private laboratories for transportation or building construction needs. This system could also be used by the DoD, NASA, NIST, or the FAA in a similar manner to develop safer materials.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Yonggang Chen
Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.
87 Church Street
East Hartford , CT 06108-3742
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.
87 Church Street
East Hartford , CT 06108-3742
PROJECT TITLE: Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation Dosimeter for Aircrews on Supersonic Transport Aircraft and Commercial Airliners
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
As a preliminary step towards the development of a low-cost portable Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation (AIR) Dosimeter for use by aircrews and frequent travelers aboard a future supersonic transport and on current subsonic airliners, a number of different passive and active ionizing radiation detectors will be investigated. Instrumentation and Methodology developed to meet NASA's radiation dosimetry needs aboard the Space Shuttle and on unmanned satellites is well suited for adaptation to dosimetry needs aboard both supersonic and subsonic aircraft. The complex composition of the radiation environment at stratospheric altitudes makes it unlikely that a single detector type will adequately measure all of the radiation components. In Phase I a complimentary selection of passive and/or active detectors will be sought that measures those particle species, in the energy ranges present at high altitudes, that are known to be of greatest risk to human health. Mass and volume constraints, ease of use, power consumption, and costs of manufacturing, processing and data analysis for each detector type will also be assessed. An initial market study is included in Phase I. In Phase II a functional prototype of the AIR Dosimeter will be developed, flight-tested and demonstrated to potential customers and investors.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The primary commercial market for an AIR Dosimeter is the airline industry. An AIR Dosimeter would be used to monitor personnel radiation exposure of pilots and flight attendants aboard future High Speed Civil Transport aircraft and who routinely fly routes at Northern latitudes aboard subsonic aircraft. Additional customers may include the United States Air Force and individual pilots, flight attendants, and frequent travelers who are concerned about the health risks associated with their radiation exposure.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Eugene V. Benton
Eril Research, Inc.
P. O. Box 150788
San Rafael, , CA 94915-0788
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Eril Research, Inc.
P. O. Box 150788
San Rafael , CA 94915-0788
PROJECT TITLE: Low Viscosity PETI-5 for RTM/RFI Processing
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
To address the NASA requirement for high temperature (350 oF, 60,000 hours) RTM resins Eikos has assembled a world class team of product development specialists that is best qualified to evaluate and develop processable, state-of-the-art, RTM / RFI resin systems based on the NASA Langley low viscosity PETI-5 or PERA-1 resin. Eikos LLC will rapidly push the development and qualification of a 350oF RTM / RFI system into a commercial product with the use of private-sector investment. For end-user qualification Eikos LLC has teamed with McDonnell-Douglas to evaluate these resins in RTM and S/RFI (stitched resin film infusion) panels. Mr. Corey Arendt, (Boeing/MDC) will oversee the fabrication of composite panels / parts, along with neat resin samples of 3 structural variants of the NASA PERA-1 RTM resin and enhancement of the curing package for enhanced toughness and additional thermo-oxidative stability. Mr. Piche is currently involved in the development and evaluation of high temperature RTM and RFI resins for a prime defense contractor and WPAFB, Materials Lab. In addition to providing a thorough evaluation of these PERA-1-based resin systems (TOS, DMA, TGA, hygrothermal testing) we will test these resins with the MDC proprietary stitching technology, (the state-of-the-art in Z direction reinforcement) for Damage Tolerance Improvement.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The development of this novel resin system will allow for the low cost fabrication of advanced composite parts with complex geometries. This is an enabling technology that will reduce the weight of key aircraft components required to endure the increasing thermal requirements of advanced aircraft designs.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Joseph W. Piche
Eikos, L.L.C.
115 Dean Ave.
Franklin , MA 02038
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Eikos, L.L.C.
115 Dean Ave.
Franklin , MA 02038
PROJECT TITLE: High Resolution CMOS Active Pixel Sensor for Flight Deck
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovation to be addressed in this work is the development of a cost efficient, high-resolution CMOS Active Pixel Sensor (APS) digital camera-on-a-chip with potential opportunities for high bandwidth real time video image processing and image-based object detection (especially in the area of machine algorithms for air-to-air collision and near-miss target detection from on-a-chip image sensors). The CMOS APS camera-on-a-chip technology was recently invented and developed by the Photobit's founders during their former employment with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and in the past three years at Photobit. It is a high performance, low power, very compact and cost efficient CMOS image sensor technology that provides resolution, sensitivity and dynamic range competitive with CCDs yet offers significant system advantages. In Phase I, optimal architectures to achieve both excellent image quality and a reasonable chip size will be investigated. The technical feasibility of obtaining ultra-high resolution conforming to HDTV standard (1,920 x 1,080), dynamic range over 60dB (10bit), frame rate up to 60Hz and output data flow around 1Gbit/sec will be studied. Main circuitry to implement the multi-million pixel camera-on-a-chip will be designed and simulated. Special considerations for post-camera image processing and signal compression will be performed.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Color digital CMOS APS technology is expected to be applicable to many consumer, commercial and military applications, ranging from astronomy and biology, HDTV and electronic photography, medical and computer imaging, security and home video to star tracking, target detection, vehicle navigation, automatic inspection and the other CCTV and machine vision systems.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Vladimir Berezin
Photobit Corporation
135 N. Los Robles Ave., 7th Floor
Pasadena , CA 91101
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Photobit Corporation
135 N. Los Robles Ave., 7th Floor
Pasadena , CA 91101
PROJECT TITLE: Design of Damage-Tolerant Composite Sandwich Panels with Tear Straps
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The objectives of the Phase-I research address the development of mechanics-based structural integrity analysis methodologies for composite sandwich panels with cracks. The methodologies and models will be implemented in a finite element code with STAGS which represent fracture mechanics capability for predicting the crack turning, the direction of failure progression, and residual strength. Further the line integrals developed will remove the complicated and time-consuming task of remeshing or adjusting the mesh direction as the crack extends or kinks, thereby accurately evaluating the critical crack-tip parameters for crack growth direction. Using the established fracture criteria for crack initiation and propagation, the direction of crack growth and residual strength of sandwich panels can be evaluated. It aims at establishing novel modeling capability of assessing and optimizing the residual strength of flat and curved sandwich panels.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The analytical and computational development of anisotropic fracture mechanics-based models will be combined to greatly improve our predictive capability on the damage tolerance of composite panels. The integrated design tool will allow, for the first time, the composite structures to be designed for aircraft applications with confidence. Airframe designers will use this tool by varying major design parameters to produce an optimal structure which not only provides fail-safe capability but also would improve the performance with the new technologies.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Gary X. Cai
Structures Technology, Inc.
2016 Cameron Street, Suite 213
Raleigh , NC 27605
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Structures Technology, Inc.
2016 Cameron Street
Raleigh , NC 27605
PROJECT TITLE: High Speed Civil Transport Engine Cost AssessmentProgram
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Currently the engine companies have no reliable means for estimating and projecting the cost of the High Speed Civil Transport(HSCT) propulsion system. While HSCT development efforts concentrate on performance of component demonstrators and slave hardware made from conventional materials affordability and producibility issues have yet to be addressed. Studies conducted by NASA and industry between 1987 and 1989 (ref. 1 & 2) indicated that a substantial market for HSCT exists early in the next century provided the plane is environmentally friendly and the fare premium over a subsonic does not exceed 20%. The latter depends, to a significant extent on acquisition affordability. In order to get a handle on affordability, a tool that could provide the design community a quick way of assessing cost and evaluating impact of design changes on cost is highly desired. An endorsement of this effort by the GEAE-HSCT Project Office (p.22) and allowing a link-up with the engine team underscores the importance of this innovation. Due to the presence of new materials, unique manufacturing processes, and challenging applications whose economics has not been modeled before, this program will be breaking new ground. In addition, manufacturing process oriented approach captures opportunities for cost reduction/avoidance, an imperative for targeting affordability.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The HSCT Engine Cost Assessment Program will result in an enabling technology for the HSCT propulsion system permitting the design community to view cost as a variable during numerous design studies.This technology will quickly find home with the OEMs and have a favorable impact on affordability of the HSCT propulsion system. Phase I (conducted in close collaboration with the engine team) will demonstrate the concept of a user- friendly system, that can estimate cost by inputting physical parameters, normally available in the early phases of product development. In Phase II, we envision development of a stand-alone system for use by the HSCT engine OEMs and technology vendors. In Phase III, two products are to be targeted: Adapating this system for use by the turbine industry (code named CAC-Computer Aided Costing), and a second product to be integrated with CAD systems like Unigraphics, Auto Desk, Parametric Tech, etc. (code named C3AD-Cost Conscious Computer Aided Design) therby pushing the state of the art of design technology to a new frontier.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jerry Evans
American Technology & Se, Inc.
4015 Executive Park Dr, Suite 150
Cincinnati , OH 45241
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
American Technology & Services, Inc.
4015 Executive Park Drive, Suite 150
Cincinnati , OH 45241
PROJECT TITLE: Metal Matrix Composite Actuators for the Mixer-Ejector Nozzle of the HSCT Engine
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Triton Systems, Inc. proposes to develop the materials and processess to fabricate a chopped fiber interface for wound fiber preforms that functionally grades teh coefficient of thermal expansion to minimize thermally induced stress at reinforcement volume fraction discontinuities in cast metal matrix composites. This development will enable the fabrication of engine exit nozzle actuators for the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) program that are half the weight of titanium with identical or longer service life. The innovation is a technique to inject chopper fiber into the tow during the winding of the last few layers so that the chopped fibers will orient in the Z-direction on the outboard side of the winding. No binders are required and a graded high strength interface structure is produced. This stress minimization at volume fraction discontinuities will enable actuator designs taht can accommodate continuously reinforced material in actuator designs is necessary to fabricate all of the complex structural features of high performance actuators without using expensive braiding techniques. The proposed phase I program will pave the way for HSCT exit nozzle actuator fabrication in phase II.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed interface preform technology will enable the fabrication of high temperature, lightweight, affordable, actuators for the High Speed Civil Transport Program. Other high temperature, weight sensitive applications include actuators for military aircraft such as the F-22 and JSF. Commercial flight applications include lightweight actuators for flight control surfaces and exit nozzle actuators. Additional applications included temperature and weight components in automative applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mr. James Burnett
Triton Systems, Inc.
200 Turnpike Road
Chelmsford , MA 01824
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Triton Systems, Inc.
200 Turnpike Road
Chelmsford , MA 01824
PROJECT TITLE: A Low-Noise 3-Blade Composite Propeller for General Aviation Aircraft
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovation is a 3 blade composite propeller optimized for low noise. This will use the Quasi-Constant Speed (QCS)flexible composite propeller concept developed by Global for 2-blade propellers. The QCS propeller changes the pitch of the blades, without the complexity of existing constant speed propellers, by use of flexible composite blades that deflect to the optimum blade angle for takeoff and the optimum angle for cruise. The design of QCS propellers has been difficult since the interaction between aerodynamics, acoustics, structures, and manufacturing limits are inter-related. This has required exhaustive iterative design work by various specialists which took 6 months before all of the requirements for a single blade design were satisfied. In the proposed program, a PC based optimization method will bring together the experience and software needed to do the tasks in previous designs and allows these tasks to run iteratively to define an optimum QCS blade design. The potential of the method will be demonstrated in Phase I in a preliminary design of a 3-blade QCS propeller that meets stringent European noise certification requirements. In Phase II, the method will be completed and an optimum QCS propeller will be designed, tested, and publically demonstrated. The proposed project meets the objectives of Subtopic 03.01 for improvement in the environ-mental compatibility of subsonic aircraft through reduction of noise and improvement of passenger comfort.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The direct commercial potential for the proposed project is the manufacture and sale of:· A GA airplane incorporating the proposed low-noise, 3-Blade composite propeller. · Production and sale of low-noise 3-Blade composite propellers to existing aircraft owners. · Production and sale of low-noise 3-Blade composite propellers to other light aircraft manufacturers. Global Aircraft Corporation is currently certifying its GT-3 Trainer airplane under FAA Part 23 Regulations. The Company currently has available funding to construct the initial production facility by November 1998. Global has adequate financial reserves in the current credit facility to finance production of the low-noise 3-Blade composite propellers to be developed and FAA certified in Phase II.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael R. Smith
Global Aircraft Coporation
P.O. Box 850
Starkville , MS 39760
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Global Aicraft Corporation
P.O. Box 850
Starkville , MS 39760
PROJECT TITLE: Broadband Aircraft Cabin Noise Attenuation
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Noise is an important source of passenger and crew discomfort in commercial jetliners and military aircraft. Frequent travelers will attest to the fatigue generated by several hours of exposure to this continuous, although not ear-piercing, rumble. Broadband cabin noise is generated by turbulence propagating along the airframe and by adjacent jet exhaust, depicted in Figure 1. The airframe vibration causes the trim panels to vibrate via structural and acoustic paths through the trim panel cavity. This creates 85 to 90 dB(A) of noise in the cabin. Typically, the noise energy is concentrated at the lower end of the spectrum from 100-600 Hz. The proposed work addresses solutions to the problem of low-frequency broadband turbulent boundary layer and exhaust noise in aircraft. Prior art, including low-Q elastomeric frame vibration absorbers, soft-mounting of trim panels, and passive Helmholtz resonators, is compared with Hood Technology's innovative concept of an array of independent active acoustic cells in the trim-panel cavity. These cells, consisting of an acoustic actuator, a microphone, and feedback electronics, null the sound pressure at their microphones, effectively reducing the acoustic impedance of the trim panel cavity. These methods of cabin noise attenuation will be compared on the bases of performance, weight penalty, complexity, and cost.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The ultimate goal of this research is to develop a scheme to reduce broadband noise on aircraft. If the research yields an effective solution which is low-cost and adds little weight, the commercial potential is vast. The airline crew would benefit from the more pleasant work environment. Travelers would have a much more enjoyable ride. And every commercial airline would need to retrofit their aircraft to keep pace with their competitors.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Peter M. Tappert
Hood Technology Corporation
1750 Country Club Road
Hood River , OR 97031
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Hood Technology Corporation
1750 Country Club Road
Hood River , OR 97031
PROJECT TITLE: A Novel Approach for Mitigation of Rotor Tip-Clearance Induced noise in Turbofan Engines
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
During aircraft landing and takeoff, the propulsive (engine) noise associated with a modern jetliner is a major contributor to the overall radiated sound. With the enforcement of stricter noise regulations at most airports, further reduction and suppression of the noise generated by the various engine components has become an issue of great importance. In particular, tip-clearance vortex noise has received little attention, even though the tip-clearance vortex competes with the rotor wake as the major source of fan noise for incoming aircraft. An effective approach for reducing tip-vortex noise is through application of a proven passive control technique to the rotor tip thereby altering the vortex initiation regime and reducing the intensity of the vortex roll-up process. The approach is innovative in the extension of a viable passive control strategy to complex unsteady flows, specifically to turbulent flows near airfoil tips as encountered in rotor tip-clearance spacing. The effort focuses on the reduction of tip-clearance noise of an engine fan and simulation of the modified tip-clearance-vortex flowfield. The lowering of engine fan noise will help NASA to meet its noise reduction goals under the agency's strategic pillars for success.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Design of low-noise aircraft fan-rotor blades, fan noise suppression for automobiles, computer hard disks, heating and ventilation system, and application of the developed passive control technique for reducing auto-frame noise.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mehdi R. Khorrami
High Technology Corporation
28 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
High Technology Corporation
28 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666
PROJECT TITLE: High-Accuracy Solution-Adaptive Method for Turbomachinery Noise Prediction
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed work involves a new unstructured macro-cell algorithm for computational aeroacoustics (CAA), which may be two to three orders of magnitude more efficient than most current methods. The unstructured macro-cell algorithm has features of both structured and unstructured grid methods; it retains the efficiency and accuracy of structured grid methods and much of the adaptability of unstructured grid methods. The governing equations are solved on a macro-cell, a structured grid consisting of roughly 15 grid points in each spatial direction, using high-accuracy, explicit or implicit, finite-volume methods. A full computational domain is composed of perhaps thousands of macro-cells, arranged in an unstructured manner. The elements contributing to high efficiency include high-accuracy spatial discretization, good time integration, and spatial and temporal solution adaptivity. An advanced treatment of the slip-interference between domains in relative motion will be based on macro-cell boundary methods. These technologies will be validated on suitable CAA test cases and applied to blade/wake interactions representative of fan noise generation. The accuracy and computational efficiency of the new unstructured macro-cell method will be demonstrated.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed method will provide significant accuracy and efficiency advantages over existing methods used to predict noise generation in turbomachinery. These methods can be used in the design of advanced aircraft engines, and in other industries concerned with aeroacoustic noise generation.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Robert E. Childs
Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA 94043-2212
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA 94043-2212
PROJECT TITLE: Combined Laser Induced Incandescence and Multi-wavelength Scattering/Extinction Techniques for Real-Time Soot Size Measurement
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal explores a variation of the Laser Induced Incandescence (LII) technique, and its integration with a multi-wavelength laser scattering/extinction technique, for measuring the soot concentration, soot primary size, and soot size distribution in the exhaust of aircraft engines with high temporal and spatial resolution. Recent research results show that the decay characteristics of the LII signal in the post-evaporative region could be used as a sensitive measure of the primary particle size. We seek elegant means of analyzing the LII signal. Furthermore, the novelty of our proposed research is that it seeks to combine the capabilities of LII with that of multi-wavelength extinction and scattering techniques to yield an integrated instrument that could be used for measuring soot concentration, size, and size distribution. The rationale is that the additional pieces of information provided by LII (namely, soot concentration and primary particle size) could be used to offset the one major limitation of laser based multi-wavelength scattering and extinction technique, namely the ambiguity of the refractive index. This proposal is a direct response to the NASA Subtopic 3.03 which calls for new instrumentation techniques for measuring engine emissions including size and size distributions of aerosols and particulates.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The potential for a measurement instrument of this kind is quite large and includes particulate emission measurement from Diesel engines, gasoline injection engines, gas turbine, and industrial burner related applications. In addition, there is the potential of using this instrument for monitoring and enforcing strict environmental laws.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
William D. Bachalo
Artium Technologies
34211 Petard Terrace
Fremont , CA 94555-2611
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Artium Technologies
34211 Petard Terrace
Fremont , CA 94555-2611
PROJECT TITLE: Low Frequency, High Amplitude Fuel Modulator to Enhance Lean Blowout and Reduce Emissions in AST Combustors
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This SBIR project proposes to develop a fuel pulsing Lean Direct Injection (LDI) nozzle that reduces nozzle blowout equivalence ratio (phi) and reduces NOx emissions by 90% compared to ICAO 1996 standards. In contrast to high frequency (> 10,000 Hz), low motion piezoelectric actuators studied in the past, the proposed LDI will utilize an innovative low frequency (< 1000 Hz) magnetic actuator with up to full off/on modulation. It is expected that the nozzle blowout phi will be reduced by 33% compared to previously demonstrated lean blowout. This will allow the nozzle phi at full power conditions to be reduced by 33%, resulting in a potential 35-fold reduction in NOx. An existing simplex-piloted airblast LDI fuel nozzle will be employed, and the pilot fuel flow will be pulsed off/on at a frequency (to be determined) between 200-1000 Hz in order to anchor the flame within a 5 msec recirculation zone. Since half of the time the fuel will be twice the average fuelflow, the nozzle blowout phi can be theoretically halved. A magnetic fuel actuator proposed by our selected small business subcontractor, Fluid Jet Associates, will be used to pulse the pilot fuel and parametrically vary the frequency and amplitude. Prototype LDI hardware will be fabricated using CFDRC?s past experience and CFD analysis. Experimental tests will then be run at atmospheric pressure and idle inlet air temperatures to show the overall feasibility of improving lean blowout and maintaining low CO levels at idle. In Phase II, single nozzle flametube rig testing will be performed at NASA LeRC to determine CO and NOx emissions at various operating conditions, and to assess fuel pulsation strategies for active control of thermoacoustic oscillations at lean, takeoff conditions. To fully demonstrate the design, engine-quality fuel modulators and LDI nozzles will be fabricated and tested in a full annular combustor at an engine company (e.g. GEAE).
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The fuel modulator and fuel pulsing LDI nozzle developed in this SBIR have the potential of significantly reducing NOx emissions in gas turbine engines, both aero and industrial versions. Gas turbine engine manufacturers (e.g. General Electric and AlliedSignal) have expressed interest in the concept. The rights to fabricate the nozzle will be sold to a fuel nozzle vendor in exchange for a royalty fee for every production nozzle.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dan Nickolaus
CFD Research Corporation
215 Wynn Drive
Huntsville , AL 35805
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
CFD Research Corporation
215 Wynn Dr.
Huntsville , AL 35805
PROJECT TITLE: An Integrated Tool for Launch Vehicle Base-Heating Analysis
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
An innovative integrated design tool using unstructured grid method with solution-adaptation and parallel computing strategy is proposed to predict the base heating and plume radiation. The CFD flow field with solution-adaptation and viscous/turbulence effects will be used for the heat transfer and fluid flow analyses. The proposed unstructured grid method can import grids from computer aided design (CAD) geometry and will simplify the grid generation and grid adaptation procedures for the numerical simulation of flow field around complicated geometries. Computational efficiency will be highly enhanced through parallel computing using multiple CPUs or network computers. Test cases of fluid flow and radiative heat transfer problems under limited conditions will be investigated in the Phase I effort. Complex three-dimensional analysis, the solution-adaptation procedure and user friendly graphics interface will be fully integrated with CAD systems in the Phase II proposal. The basic study and development of the proposed unstructured grid CFD method will enhance the cost effectiveness of the design and evaluation of fluid flow and heat transfer processes for launch vehicles.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed integrated tool will significantly benefit the areas in which complex radiative heat transfer processes and fluid flow are involved. The technology to be developed in this SBIR project will be very useful in commercial applications for the design and analysis of advanced launch vehicle and propulsion systems. The other immediate applications can be found in the evaluation of the performance of gas turbine combustor, automobile combustion engine and industrial furnace etc.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Huan-Min Shang
Engineering Sciences, Inc
1900 Golf Rd, Suite D
Huntsville , AL 35802
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Engineering Sciences, Inc.
1900 Golf Road, Suite D
Huntsville , AL 35802
PROJECT TITLE: A Thermally Integrated Structure Using Aerogel and Innovative Manufacturing
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A scheme for combining the space vehicle functions of cryogenic storage,cryogenic insulation, structure and thermal protection (TPS) in a thermally integrated structure, ThIS, will be investigated. The scheme uses aerogels for TPS and insulation and an innovative cryogenic tank/structure manufacturing process. Aerogels are very light-weight and have extremely low conductivities making them highly desirable for future space vehicles. The innovative technique of using thermally sprayed metals on polyurethane molds to form cryogenic tank/structure; then melting the mold out of the resultant assembly offers savings in cost and weight. To optimize the concept, Phase I will address the following: 1) the best form and curing process for the aerogel, 2) the need for aerogel reinforcing, and 3) the choice of an outer layer to be applied to the aerogel to make it impervious to moisture and other environmental conditions. During Phase I thermal and structural tests will be performed on small, sample configurations. Manufacturing techniques will also be examined to assure feasibility. Phase I will determine the feasibility of the proposed ThIS concept and provide a comprehensive plan for more elaborate development and testing in Phase II. Manufactured versions of the ThIS concept have great potential for Phase III commercialization.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Light-weight, relatively inexpensive, extremely effective structure forfuture expendable and reusable space vehicles.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Richard E. Somers
Qualis Corporation
3225 Bob Wallace Ave., Suite C
Huntsville , AL 35805-4068
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Qualis Corporation
3225 Bob Wallace Ave., Suite C
Huntsville , AL 35805-4068
PROJECT TITLE: Pulsed Inductive Plasma Source Development for Advanced Propulsion Systems
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose to develop an empirical model for design of inductively generated plasma sources which operate in the presence of background magnetic fields. No such model exists for inductive breakdown in magnetic fields, though scaling rules have been developed for electrostatic breakdown between electrodes, and breakdown using radio-frequency fields. Plasma generation in the presence of a background magnetic field enables the background and plasma source magnetic fields to be used to control the location and movement of the plasma. Inductively generated plasma sources eliminate electrode contamination and wear, which are key lifetime considerations. Electrodeless (inductive) operation and the ability to generate plasma in a magnetic field are fundamental to several advanced propulsion schemes, from simple acceleration of a plasma in a magnetic nozzle, to propulsion based on magnetic fusion. Industrial applications for inductively generated plasma sources include an ion beam surface treatment process currently being commercialized. We propose to develop a model for the design of inductively generated plasma sources, to build and test an experimental plasma source (5cm diameter plasma slug, 1 kG background field, 10E16 cm(-3)density, 4 eV), to compare its performance with the model's predictions, and to refine the model.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Three applications of particular interest to APP are electric (plasma) thrusters for satellite station keeping and interplanetary spacecraft propulsion, pulsed plasmas used as ion sources for surface treatment of materials, and plasma sputter etch systems used extensively in the manufacture of semiconductors.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Steven C. Glidden
Applied Pulsed Power, Inc.
Box 1020, 207 Langmuir Lab
Ithaca , NY 14850-1257
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Applied Pulsed Power, Inc.
Box 1020, 207 Langmuir Lab
Ithaca , NY 14850-1257
PROJECT TITLE: A Breakthrough Fusion Power unit for Space Applications
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Experiments to prove the feasibility of developing a D-He3 fusion power plant for space applications (both station/site keeping and propulsion) are proposed. Prior conceptual studies by various groups have concluded that the high power-weight ratio of the IEC makes it one of the most attractive power units for space application. Due to breakthrough physics associated with potential structure formation in the IEC plasma core, scaling up in fusion energy gain appears possible without a significant increase in size beyond present laboratory experiments. Thus a "fast tract" physics proof-of-principle scale-up is feasible. Pulsed operation will be employed to obtain high peak currents such that the plasma physics can be studies during the pulse, minimizing power supply and other technogical requirements. The proposed Phase I unit would be designed to achieve an energy gain (fusion energy out/energy in) during a pulse of 10-4 . This would provide a physics demonstration of the concept and the design basis for the Phase II Q=1 (during a pulse) experiment. If successful, these two experiments would justify the R&D funding needed to develop the technology (high rep rate power supply, active grid cooling, energy extraction/conversion) necessary for a Phase III demonstration D-He3 fusion power unit.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The high specific power D-He3 IEC fusion unit represents a most attractive power supply for a variety of space applications, ranging from station keeping to landing site power and, in a modified version, deep space propulsion. Commercial involvement would range from system engineering of overall units to supplying individual components. In addition, a number of spin-off commercial applications appear feasible for intermediate scale units providing intense neutron or proton fluxes, including medical uses such as isotope production, tomography, and radiation therapy. Indeed, smaller IEC units are already in commercial use for portable neutron sources for neutron activation analysis, and higher neutron intensities could extend this to luggage inspection and industrial neutron tomography.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jon Nadler
NPL Associates
912 W. Armory St.
Champaign , IL 61821
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
NPL Associates
912 W. Armory St.
Champaign , IL 61821
PROJECT TITLE: Gamma Absorption Techniques for Converting Induced Gamma Emission from Meta-stable Nuclear Isomers into Heat, Electricity and Momentum for Space Propulsion Applications
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA is faced with the challenge of bringing long range space flight into the realm of economic viability. The Marshall Space Flight Center's expertise has been tapped to evaluate and develop advanced, even exotic, propulsion technologies for the visionary missions of the future. In response to NASA SBIR Topic 04.02 for Advanced/Exotic Propulsion System Technologies, SRS proposes in Phase I to evaluate and define testing for Phase II that will use energy pre-stored in nuclear meta-stable isomers and released by induced gamma emission (IGE) as a propulsive energy source. This concept has been termed Hot Isomeric Transitions (HIT). HIT relies on standard models in nuclear physics, but does not involve nuclear reactions. No fission or fusion is involved. In Phase I SRS will determine the energy conversion characteristics of gamma energy emitted by isomer sources and define surrogate testing approaches that can mimic the gamma emission from isomers to allow a fast track to testing of propulsion concepts while separate research continues in parallel outside this SBIR to achieve meaningfully significant amounts of induced gamma emission of energy stored in isomer materials. Also direct conversion of gamma emission by lasing as a photon momentum drive system will be investigated.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Include space propulsion systems; defense warhead for lethality against biological agents and other threats such as high explosives, chemical agents and nuclear warheads; medical irradiation source for in situ treatment of cancers; sterilization of medical wastes and instruments; food preparation area sterilization; food preservation treatments; industrial radiography; extra-solar space communication system; high energy probe for instrumentation in nuclear physics; high energy material characterization instrumentation.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Hillary E. Roberts
SRS Technologies
500 Discovery Drive
Huntsville , AL 35806
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
SRS Technologies
500 Discovery Drive
Huntsville , AL 35806
PROJECT TITLE: Variable Reluctance Motor Drive for Spacecraft Electric Auxiliary Power
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
An electric auxiliary power unit (APU) forms an attractive, more flexible alternative to the present hydrazine APU on today's spacecraft. With no impact to spacecraft structure, and with substantial system simplification and significant weight reduction, an electric APU meets NASA's mandates for the creation of aerospace and commercial partnerships and can provide considerable cost, safety, operational and technological benefits. The choice of an appropriate motor drive for driving the hydrazine pump is constrained by weight and electromagnetic interference considerations, and today's technological advancements offer a number of options. In this Phase I program, a variable reluctance motor drive is proposed that will form a higher power density, lower cost, simpler alternative to the hydrazine APU, without sacrificing safety and system reliability. By incorporating the latest and on-going commercial developments in motor and power electronics technologies, the proposed drive can allow for the deletion of individual power assist elements with no impact to overall system weight. The Phase I work will provide the final design and drawings for the drive, configured for direct deployment in an electric APU. Under a Phase II program, SatCon will assemble the motor drive and perform all tests necessary to ensure that the new system meets NASA specifications and the Phase I performance predictions.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The research proposed here has direct commercial application in a number of cost-sensitive electric motor markets, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, aerospace, and the utility power markets, where safety, performance, reliability and cost are the primary needs and product drivers.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mary Tolikas, Ph.D.
SatCon Technology Corporation
161 First Street
Cambridge , MA 02142-1221
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
SatCon Technology Corporation
161 First Street
Cambridge , MA 02142-1221
PROJECT TITLE: Mars In-Situ Based Rocket Propulsion Using Methanol
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Methanol (CH3OH) can be produced from the Marian atmosphere with little difficulty. This fact makes methanol an attractive propulsion fuel option for Mars exploration missions. Using methanol as a rocket propulsion fuel also addresses key issues in current state-of-the-art hydrocarbon cooled rocket engines, such as coking, environmental compatibility and ground processing operations, from exhaust product and safety standpoints, respectively. Coking is a major problem that limits the op-eration and performance of such systems. Methanol can be decomposed endothermically, in the presence of a catalyst, into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, absorbing a great deal of enthalpy in the process. It can also absorb more enthalpy for a given temperature change than hydrogen, making it a superior coolant. A methanol fuel rocket system can use the test and operational infrastructure that are currently in place to support current hydrocarbon fueled engine systems. Additionally, it is likely that no exotic, advanced technologies will be required to develop low-cost, modest perform-ance methanol fuel rocket engine systems. Use of this low-cost propulsion system technology should provide significant improvement in life cycle cost, reliability, and safety of future space sys-tems, as well as make both manned and unmanned Mars exploration missions, attractive, realistic cost options.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
There are three major commerical applications that can be identified for a methanol engine. The low freezing point of methanol makes it a promising candidate for a space storable upper stage. Such a stage would be capable not only of restarting, like the Centaur upper stage, but also of operating for extended periods of time in interplanetary space, which the Centaur cannot. Methanol's perform-ance and density make it superior in system performance when compared with other upper stage fuels as well, such as solid propellants and hydrazine. Replacement of the Shuttle's Orbital Maneu-vering System (OMS), as well as booster and maneuvering engines for expendable and future reusable launch systems, are other potential applications. Improved cooling for annular aerospike engines is also a possibility. Finally, there is a concept for a unique type of space transportation ve-hicle called a propellant transfer spaceplane, which gets one propellant from the ground and transfers the other from a subsonic tanker. For nearly every propellant combination of interest, the mixture ratio favors the oxidizer, requiring the development of aerial oxidizer transfer technology and the use of a dedicated tanker aircraft. If a liquid oxygen/methanol engine is used, it may be operated at a mixture ratio of 1:1 with the loss of only a few seconds of performance. This offers the prospect of being able to transfer the fuel instead of the oxidizer, removing the need for a dedicated aircraft and requiring no new technology development.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dennis G. Pelaccio
Pioneer Astronautics
445 Union Blvd., Suite 125
Lakewood , CO 80228
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Pioneer Astronautics
445 Union Blvd., Suite 125
Lakewood , CO 80228
PROJECT TITLE: Thin-Film Fresnel Reflectors with Preformed Inflatable Support Structures
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Off-axis Fresnel reflector design methodologies and manufacturing processes will be developed to provide the capability to produce large area flat thin polyimide reflectors which can be attached to precision preformed polyimide film support structures. The design methodologies will be used to determine optimal Fresnel reflector segment configurations that facilitate the assembly of complete reflectors that have the desired concentration ratios and focuses. Segment forming mandrels will be used to quantify and verify polyimide material processing parameters. Different approaches for application of highly reflective film coatings and segment joining will be evaluated to determine their efficacy for operational-scale reflector fabrication. Methods will be demonstrated for attachment of the complete reflector film to preformed inflatable torus-strut support structures that are rigidizable in-space with foam.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This work will lead to manufacturing processes and design procedures to meet user needs for low-cost, operationally simple, long-life inflatable solar concentrators for solar orbit transfer vehicles, electrical power gereration, and high temperature materials processing in space. Other reflector applications are large antennas, microwave concentrators, and next generation space telescopes.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Rodney Bradford
United Apllied Technologies, Inc.
11506 Gilleland Road SE
Huntsville , AL 35803
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
United Applied Technologies, Inc.
11506 Gilleland Road
Huntsville , AL 35803
PROJECT TITLE: Highly Conductive, Thermooptical Black or White, Highly Adherent, Outgassing Free, UV, Atomic Oxygen and Abrasion Resistant, Space Tether Coatings
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposed program will demonstrate feasibility of a cost-effective, rapid, new, radiation & atomic oxygen (AO) resistant white or highly conductive thermooptical black cationic coating technology for protecting high strength organic (PBO, PE etc.) or metallic (Aluminum, etc.) space tethers fibers from the severe low earth orbit space environment. Currently considered atomic oxygen resistant phosphine oxide arylene ether backbone containing thermoplastic candidate polymers in braided fibrous or solvent based coating forms are plagued with weight penalty, space off-gassing and tether fiber adhesion problems. These are inherent problems for high molecular weight thermoplastic polymers processed form environmentally unfriendly solvent based coatings. An innovative cationically cured polymer, known from LDEF experiments for it?s minimal degradation during severe AO attack and low off gassing, has been newly formulated as a flexible and highly adherent solventless coating for organic and metallic tether fibers. Adhesion and offgassing problem prone solvents are not used in this cationic homopolymerization technique since monomer viscosity is very low. Recent tests show 66-75% more weight loss for TOR coating vs. AEROPLAS AOUV coating yet AEROPLAS coatings saw 20-40% more AO Fluence. Organic fibers coated with this new system also provide outstanding UV and wear resistance.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed process is cost effective (does away with the costs associated with toxic solvent removal and is far more advanced and robust than the prior cationic cure systems); rapid (minutes versus hours to cure); environmentally friendly; is a low even sub-ambient temperature process (for less molded in thermal stresses); is less expensive and less complicated; is amenable to large cable scale up with inexpensive tooling. The impact of the proposed concept is tremendous and can revolutionize the wire and cable protective coating industry. The rapid coating cure technology will find immediate application in Infrastructural, Automotive, Electronic, Aerospace and other industries where very long and complicated cable coating runs are required.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
THOMAS C. WALTON
AEROPLAS CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
265B Proctor Hill Road
Hollis , NH 03049
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
AEROPLAS CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL
265B Proctor Hill Road
HOLLIS , NH 03049-6427
PROJECT TITLE: SEMA-Based Motor for Electric Auxiliary Power Unit
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
There is a need to update the Space Shuttle?s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), which provides hydraulic pressure to the vehicle?s flight control surfaces. A new high-power-density motor technology, developed by Visual Computing Systems Corporation (VCS) and commercialized by Lynx Motion Technology Corporation (Lynx), will be able to provide the power of the present hydrazine powered APU efficiently and with less weight and cost than with conventional motor technologies. In addition, the new electric APU (EAPU) system will be more reusable, more reliable, and will reduce turn-around time and cost between flights. In the proposed Phase I SBIR effort, the VCS development team, working with Lynx and with support from Boeing North American, will design, construct and test a proof-of-concept, high-speed motor based on commercial Lynx motor products. This will be used to demonstrate the viability of the motor technology. Additional modeling and analyses will be employed to develop a plan for a Phase II motor design, optimized for the EAPU application.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed research could be used to significantly improve the performance of numerous military and commercial systems, including: starting motors and alternators for turbine engines, flywheel motor/alternators, vehicle traction motors for electric cars, buses, trains and earth-moving equipment, surface and underwater propulsion motors, and general-purpose industrial high-power motors.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Roy L. Kessinger Jr.
President, Visual Computing Systems Corporation
9540 Highway 150/ P.O. Box 250
Greenville , IN 47124-0250
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Visual Computing Systems Corporation
Box 250, 9540 Hwy 150
Greenville , IN 47124-0250
PROJECT TITLE: Thermal control of electrodynamic tethers through surface texturing
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Electrodynamic conductive tethers combined with electrical power sources have the potential to provide propellant-less reboost or deorbit forces to spacecraft in low Earth orbit. Tether performance is limited by heating, which decreases strength and increases resistivity, lowering electrodynamic efficiency. Electrodynamic tethers in space are heated both ohmically and by absorption of radiation from the Sun and Earth, while radiation is the only cooling mechanism. To minimize tether temperature it is desirable to minimize the absorptivity/emissivity ratio, i.e. to reflect insolation and earthshine while radiating efficiently at low temperature. Ion Optics proposes to accomplish this with ion-beam texturing, a blackening process which increases emissivity by carving micron-sized features into the wire surface. Size and spacing of the features can be controlled to provide a relatively sharp transition from shiny at short wavelengths to black at long wavelengths. Tailoring their surfaces to increase long wavelength emissivity from less than 0.1 to greater than 0.9 would allow aluminum tethers to handle three times the power at the same operating temperature and mass. The resulting lighter, more efficient tethers mean dramatic cost savings for NASA?s International Space Station reboost and space debris reduction programs.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Textured surfaces already have commercial applications; they play a key role in Ion Optics' line of pulsIR infrared sources, extensively used in gas sensing instruments. Texturing has also been suggested as a means to a new class of infrared detectors, to improved electrolytic battery electrodes and better pacemaker tips, prosthetic devices treated for more rapid ingrowth, passive thermal control materials for commercial spacecraft, and perhaps ultimately to miniature gas detection systems built entirely on a silicon chip. The major potential commercial space application is textured tethers for the Terminator Tether spacecraft deorbit systems of Tethers Unlimited, Inc., a Phase I partner on this proposal.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Edward A. Johnson
Ion Optics
411 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 144
Waltham , MA 02452
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Ion Optics, Inc.
411 Waverley Oaks Rd. Suite 144
Waltham , MA 02452
PROJECT TITLE: Design-Based Developments for Pump Cavitation Control
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This project offers a design-oriented developmental approach to improve fundamental knowledge and design techniques for high-performance, cavitating inducers. It is built upon an innovative approach to inducer design using bowed blading, sweep, and incidence, plus cover treatment concepts. On a step-by-step basis, this investigation deals with tradeoffs between blade shape, hence loading, and cavitation. It deals with blade design parameters such as solidity, leading edge shape (sweep), cant angle, tip speed, and clearance plus thickness effects. These parameters will be independently investigated in the laboratory with steady and dynamic measurements plus flow visualization. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is evaluated for modeling both non-cavitating and cavitating performance in an effort to more clearly understand this design problem. An advanced inducer is designed and tested in Phase I with low NPSH implying a suction specific speed of 65,000 to above 85,000 with an inducer flow coefficient of over 0.10. Tests will be conducted on CETI's magnetic bearing rig to collect force data. Measured results will be compared to the fundamental modeling. Overcoming current turbopump design thresholds due to cavitation, and related instabilities, is a critical path item for advanced propulsion technologies.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Improved design methods for cavitating inducers will be of immediate use to aerospace and industrial pumping companies. Information learned will be introduced into CETI's design software system used by industrial and rocket engine turbopump manufacturers. Our "Centrifugal Pump Design and Performance" course material will be updated based upon project results. The ability to optimize suction performance will allow increases in rotational speed. This will lead to smaller, less costly, more reliable turbopumps and industrial pumps.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. David Japikse
Concepts ETI, Inc.
4 Billings Farm Road
White River Junction , VT 05001
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Concepts ETI, Inc.
4 Billings Farm Road
White River Junction , VT 05001
PROJECT TITLE: Development of ZrC/Cf Composites for Low-Cost, Lightweight Engine Components
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The goal of this program is to develop a low cost, flexible manufacturing method for the production of Cf reinforced composites to meet the performance objectives of future NASA aerospace propulsion systems. The matrix material selected for demonstration of the technology will be ZrC, a material with good oxidation and ablation resistance within the temperature range of 2200 to 3500°C. The program will focus on an innovative method for fabricating ZrC/Cf composites based on melt spinning of thermoplastic/ceramic powder blends. This process, called Continuous Composite Co-extrusion, incorporates Cf into the extrusion process in order to fabricate ?in-situ? ZrC/Cf composites. The fiber will impart the necessary thermal shock resistance and toughness that ZrC lacks as a monolithic ceramic. The process technique will be widely applicable to a large number on material systems such as TaC, HfB2, ZrB2, and HfN. Phase I success will allow future iterations to optimize the composition and fiber volume fraction of the composite for specific applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The development of a low cost, high temperature, flaw-tolerant material will have far reaching implications in heat engine systems and other energy conservation systems. The material has potential applications in injectors, combustors, hot gas ducts, erosion throats, uncooled nozzles, exhaust flaps, propulsion engine bodies, radiant burners, as well as hot-section components for power generation systems.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Mark Rigali
Advanced Ceramics Research
3292 E. Hemisphere Loop
Tucson , AZ 85706
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Advanced Ceramics Research
3292 E. Hemisphere Loop
Tucson , AZ 85706
PROJECT TITLE: Thick-Section, Lightweight CVI Silicon Carbide Matrix Composite Components via Reactive Joining
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Performance enhancement of next generation rocket propulsion systems can be achieved through the incorporation of components fabricated from high temperature, high specific strength materials, such as continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Design and fabrication of many key propulsion components from CMCs which require thick-section and/or complex geometries has been limited by current manufacturing technologies. Successful implementation of the proposed processing technique will enable the fabrication of thick-section (>1") and/or complex geometry components from high fiber volume, continuous fiber-reinforced CMCs. The objective of this Phase I program is to develop and characterize a reaction-formed silicon carbide (SiC) joint between SiC-based CMC sections. The resultant bond joint is expected to have strength, temperature, lifetime and environmental durability characteristics comparable to the CVI SiC matrix material. Once the feasibility of the joining technique is established, multiple joints will be used to fabricate a bulk, thick-section (nominally 1"-2" thick) part for delivery to NASA for possible NDE and spin testing. The joining parameters will be further optimized in the Phase II program concentrating on the fabrication of full-scale, complex component geometries.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The successful implementation of the proposed technology will enhance the design of SiC-based materials in a majority of current applications, and will enable their use in applications which are currently manufacturing limited. Increased manufacturing capabilities include fabrication of complex-shape, thick-section, large scale components; the joining of lower cost simple geometry components to create complex geometries; and the repair of existing components. These attributes have wide ranging applications in all of the industries which require one, or a combination of, the following material properties for their components; low density, high strength, high temperature, wear resistance, low thermal expansion, nonvolatile, corrosion resistant/environmentally durable, and low observable. These industries include aerospace, energy, electronics, nuclear, transportation, chemical/petrochemical and the pulp and paper industry. Specific thick-section components include turbine wheels and impellers for gas turbine engines, liquid propulsion rocket engines, slurry and other pumps with aggressive operating environments. Applications for joining include manifolds; manifold assemblies; tube to tube joining for ducting, turbine wheel/shaft assemblies, and space truss structures and platforms.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Charlene F. Rusnak
Hyper-Therm High-Temperature Composites, Inc.
18411 Gothard Street, Unit B
Huntington Beach , CA 92648
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Hyper-Therm High-Temperature Composites
18411 Gothard Street Units B&C
Huntington Beach , CA 92648-1208
PROJECT TITLE: Very High Speed Video and Data Transmission Techniques
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA has unique data collection requirements to support ground-based testing of rocket engines. Not only is the rapid collection of data important, but the transmission of this information to processing facilities is critical. By combining new electrical interface standards with high speed fiber optic technology, generic transmission systems can be designed which would be capable of transferring data collection samples and video images at speeds approaching 1Gbps using existing fiber optic infrastructures. This system will allow NASA to better utilize digital sampling and encoding techniques, reducing their dependency on antiquated analog processing and transmission methodologies. This should improve their determination of rocket engine status in a more efficient manner.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The outcome of this project will result in transferable technology to the private sector regarding high speed (1 Gbps and beyond) systems for both data acquisition and high definition video channels transmitted over fiber optic cables. Units can be produced for interface into existing hardware through a common electrical standard.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Kim D. Jovanovich, MS, P.E.
Omni Technologies, Inc.
450 31st St. Suite A
Kenner , LA 70065-4102
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Omni Technologies, Inc.
450 31st St. Suite A
Kenner , LA 70065-4102
PROJECT TITLE: A NON-INTRUSIVE OPTICAL FLUID QUALITY SENSOR
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal describes a novel optical fluid quality sensor (OFQS) and the objectives to produce a prototype sensor for in-line use in a cryogenic test facility. The OFQS is non-intrusive and capable of instantaneous indication of the presence of two phase flow. In addition, the fully developed sensor will be capable of determining relative concentrations of several different fluids and/or gases which may be present. Response time of the sensor will be capable of monitoring flow rates in excess of 17,000 gpm in cryogenic rocket engine test facilities. During Phase I a proof-of-concept experiment will be performed to validate the basic principle of operation. The results of phase I will feed directly into the development of a working prototype sensor to be developed in Phase II.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed OFQS will find applications in many government, civilian and military test stand facilities where fluid phase and quality are a concern. In addition, the sensor could be used anywhere that fluid clarity or relative concentrations of different fluids need to be monitored such as in the medical or beverage industry.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
John F Justak
JUSTAK Research & Development, Inc.
P.O. Box 442
Stuart , FL 34995
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
JUSTAK Research & Development, Inc.
P.O. Box 442
Stuart , FL 34995
PROJECT TITLE: Ultraspectral Imaging for Propulsion System Health Monitoring
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Kestrel Corporation proposes a new technology that generates spatially distributed wavenumber resolution spectral signature fingerprints that allow rocket ignition deviations from nominal to be noted in time to abort a launch or prevent initiation of auxiliary functions. The concept uses the rocket?s exhaust as a source of performance and health data that has not previously been fully exploited. In this Phase I SBIR, we will demonstrate that a new tech-nology called Ultra Spectral Imaging (USI) can be used as a sensor to observe the mid wave infrared (MWIR) to long wave infrared (LWIR) spectral and spatial time varying flow of a liquid rocket engine and that these data can be processed to create a non intrusive rocket health and performance monitoring system. The proposed technique takes advantage of the presence of a predictable time and spatially varying MWIR to LWIR molecular spectra associated with a rocket ignition process. These data, created by the purges, film cooling flows, and fuel-oxidizer flows, have uniquely definable time dependent and spatially distributed spectral features. By using a spatially modulated Fourier transform USI, a spatial map of these signature can be created in real time for comparison to a predicted distribution. Unique to this approach is the wave number spectral resolution available in a USI and the real time data processing required to rapidly assess the exhaust flow.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed optical diagnostic system has use in NASA, military, and commercial launches as well as application to the more general field of combustion diagnostics.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Leonard John Otten, III
Kestrel Corporation
6624 Gulton Court, NE
Albuquerque , NM 87109
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Kestrel Corporation
6624 Gulton Court, NE
Albuquerque , NM 87109
PROJECT TITLE: Auto-Coupler System for Engine Test Stands
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
AJT proposes to develop an innovative, automated propellant auto-coupler system, which would be applicable for propulsion ground test facilities. Our approach is similar to the Russian auto-coupler methodologies of simple, rugged and reliable approach. The concept is a scaleable (0.5 to 12" diameter) system which incorporates the coupler, compliance device, motion mechanism, purging elements and all necessary sensors, valves and control mechanism. The auto-coupler system will reduce the time and costs of engine test stand operations. Our recent experience in the design engineering of the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) launch facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Station provided an in-depth experience in the design and implementation of cryogenic control and delivery systems for next generation propulsion systems. The methods developed should help to reduce required labor and associated costs for testing and launch facilities.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
A number of commercial applications exist for auto-coupler tasks including: commercial aircraft refueling, refueling of alternate fuel vehicles (liquefied natural gas, liquid hydrogen, etc.). We are pursuing commercial implementation of this system for EELV RD-180 rocket engine test stands. There a number of other engine test stands which could benefit from this system as well. This process can also be used for new launch vehicles and facilities.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Tracey Post, P.E.
AJT & Associates, Inc.
8910 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral , FL 32920
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
AJT & Associates, Inc.
8910 Astronaut Blvd.
Cape Canaveral , FL 32920
PROJECT TITLE: A Vent Control for Optimizing Airbag Performance
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The program will develop a control mechanism to install in airbag vents. The device will help alleviate problems with air bag systems. The control valve mechanism will conserve gas as well as regulate the pressure in the airbag. As a result, gas generators can be made smaller without compromising protection in severe crashes. Even more important, the energy absorbing efficiency of the airbag will be substantially improved. Air bag size can then be reduced 50% without a loss in crash protection capability. This reduced size will prevent many airbag induced injuries otherwise inflicted on out of position occupants. For those occupants still exposed to airbag induced injury, the vent valve can be designed to quickly release gas and thereby minimize injury. Deployment velocity can also be lower without compromising system performamce in severe crashes. The vent control will be compatible with other new air bag technologies, including advanced inflators and occupant sensors.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed application, for general aviation aircraft, is a commercial application. A very similar product can also be marketed in the automotive industry. The news media has high lighted airbag induced occupant injuries in automobile accidents for some time. Ready markets exist for products that can contribute to the reduction of the frequency and severity of these injuries. A product which also allows the use of smaller air bags and gas generators with out any loss of protection in severe crashes will be very easy to market worldwide.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Richard E. Zimmermann
Zerad Inc.
425 East Greenway Drive
Tempe , AZ 85282-6938
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Zerad Inc.
425 East Greenway Drive
Tempe , AZ 85282-6938
PROJECT TITLE: Advanced Low Cost Airframe Construction Techniques
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Mod Works proposes to construct major airframe components using modern aluminum manufacturing process (MAM). The objective will be to reduce the cost of manufacturing while maintaining better surface quality. Major reduction in cost and labor requirements will be obtained with the automated manufacturing opportunity. Spot welding/bonding will replace conventional riveting techniques. This technology is being tested in the automobile industry with a high degree of success. James Grizwald our lead designer will apply 45 years of industry experience to the development of this technol-ogy. Success with this program will result in a major cost reduction for GA aircraft manufacturing. The chal-lenges include labor reduction, surface tolerance improvement and competitive value comparison to composite parts development. The potential to construct complex , low cost aluminum parts will expand the conventional uses of aluminum. Automated manufacturing will allow computer designed to be transitioned to parts accurately. This will allow designers to use aluminum for a wider verity of components.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Successful development of this technology will be certified by the FAA for use by Mod Works. Parts such as the cowling will be sold for retrofit or forward fit on new aircraft. Provided the parts produced are cost effective larger scope programs will be performed by Mod Works.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Tim Coons
Mod Works
8250 Skylane Way
Punta Gorda , FL 33982
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Mod Works
8250 Skylane Way
Punta Gorda , FL 33982
PROJECT TITLE: Universal Aviation Data Service (UADS)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The Universal Aviation Data Service (UADS) innovation is to make rich, but non-critical information services an FAA-certified (Level D) reality for price-sensitive small airplane travelers. UADS looks beyond today?s aviation infrastructure and data-link standardization efforts toward imminent ubiquitous satellite and other data communications systems. UADS will uniquely leverage and integrate emerging robust, nation-wide, high-volume wireless personal communications infrastructure to allow small airplane travelers to remotely and efficiently access airport and other facilities that are not essential for flight, but that enhance their travel experience and safety. Information will be accessible from home, office, car, airport, or cockpit. UADS provides a common-mode of access that links small airplanes to commercial air and ground transportation services (train, limo, rental car), while satisfying the communications and human-factors needs of small-airplane users. To date GA revitalization efforts have aptly focussed upon reducing the cost and complexity of flying itself. UADS takes another step toward addressing the bottom-line transportation utility of small airplanes; it appeals to the business, personal, safety, and convenience needs of travelers. It stimulates GA revitalization by providing intuitive communications products that address the fundamental portal-to-portal transportation goals of pilots and passengers.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The UADS Gateway/Server and SmartBrowser developed under Phases I and II of this project will provide the key components of a Universal Aviation Data Service (UADS) that can be offered to small airplane travelers ? pilots and passengers - on a subscription basis to encourage the transportation experience and augment safety.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ed Jones
Seagull Technology, Inc.
16400 Lark Avenue
Los Gatos , CA 95032-2547
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Seagull Technology, Inc.
16400 Lark Avenue
Los Gatos , CA 95032-2547
PROJECT TITLE: Low Cost Design & Manufacturing of GA Cockpit Displays using Projection LCDs
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A major barrier for the advancement of cockpit systems lies in the display technology. Vision Micro Design, Inc. (VmD) proposes to favorably impact this cost through application of low cost projection LCD techniques. The innovation lies in manufacturing cost reductions and increased performance by utilizing high volume COTS displays and redundantly projecting them onto an easily modifiable projection screen. The result should be a cockpit display system usable by any PFD or MFD manufacturer. VmD will design a ?proof of concept? projected LCD display unit in Phase I and evaluate the feasibility through cost analysis and performance by flight testing. The goal is to complete a functioning ?proof of concept? unit and analysis of cost v.s. performance report. VmD has market demand for this innovation. No such process exits today in the GA market.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercialization for the projected graphic display will include all applications which need a low cost color graphic display. The specific aviation markets include: Primary Flight Displays (PFD); Multifunction Displays (MFD); Navigational Moving Map Displays; Engine Monitoring and Advisory Displays. Avionics information and control displays; Aircraft situational monitoring displays. The display technology will be marketed to all manufacturers of equipment in need of this type of display on an OEM basis.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Lance G. Turk
Vision Micro Design Inc.
4071 Hannegan Road Suite T
Bellingham , WA 98226
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Vision Micro Design Inc.
4071 Hannegan Road Suite T
Bellingham , WA 98226
PROJECT TITLE: Catalytic Ignition System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The catalytic ignition (CI) system will benefit NASA's General Aviation Propulsion Plan. With no moving parts, the CI or "SmartPlug" replaces magnetos, high tension leads and plugs and represents revolutionary rather than evolutionary component innovation. The core technology is a pre-heated catalyst on a ceramic rod mounted in a small pre-combustion chamber. Heating of the catalyst is accomplished by an embedded DC heater. The SmartPlug consists of a hollow metallic threaded body with flame nozzles and prechamber which installs in replacement of spark plugs. The replaceable catalytic heating element initiates combustion and controls timing. Compression ignition is induced by timed catalytic reduction of the pre-chamber's activation energy producing almost instantaneous combustion in the pre-chamber. Multiple high velocity torches (flames) propagate toward the center of the cylinder. This combines the best features of Otto and Diesel cycles creating a more complete combustion than possible with spark, hot surface or straight combustion ignition. The CI is the only ignition which can selectively ionize fuel and oxygen prior to gaseous combustion. These reactions not only lead to more complete combustion (allowing ultra-lean burn) but also provide in-cylinder reduction of NOx. Once combustion is initiated, self-sustaining operation is possible without outside energy input.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This Phase I Proposal places significant emphasis on the prospects for rapid commercialization of the SmartPlug. Immediate (following Phase II) commercial entry into the Experimental Aircraft (EAA) market is anticipated. Joint Venture or Licensing Agreements will be sought during Phase II which will assure the financial requirements of FAA Certification. The finalization of ignitor design and manufacturing techniques during Phase II will open other very significant markets. In addition to the cost savings and other benefits listed above, the SmartPlug has demonstrated the ability to allow operation of small utility 2 and 4 stroke engines on JP Fuel. The U.S. Military (DOD) has a major requirement for high altitude UAVs, heavy fuel capable small engines and similar niche markets where the SmartPlug will be of great benefit. Major companies in the marine, utility engine and power generation industries have already expressed interest in the SmartPlug. NASA's SBIR participation with ATI will greatly accelerate the development and commercialization of the product and directly benefit NASA's general aviation initiatives.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mark A. Cherry
Aqualytic Technologies
1926 Industrial Dr
Sandpoint , ID 83864
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Aqualytic Technologies
1926 Industrial Dr
Sandpoint , ID 83864
PROJECT TITLE: A Novel Rotary Diesel Engine for General Aviation Aircrraft
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed project is the design and production of a novel rotary diesel engine for General Aviation aircraft using the patented Rand-CamTM fluid compression cycle. The innovation is the design of a light weight (1.0 lb./hp), highly fuel efficient (<0.30 lb./hp-hr), multi-fuel, low-noise/low-vibration engine which will reduce aircraft manufacturing costs, improve light aircraft performance, reduce fuel consumption, reduce engine noise and exhaust emissions. Phase I will evaluate a 125 BHP Rand Cam diesel engine, which has been developed as a stationary power unit, to determine the operating characteristics of the engine in typical airplane missions. Phase I effort will also include the preliminary design of a 225 BHP class engine, to be fabricated and tested in Phase II, to assure the suitability of the engine for GA aircraft missions. The proposed project is consistent with the objectives of Subtopic 05.02 to effect dramatic reductions in light aircraft engine acquisition and life cycle costs; operate on multi-grade fuels, reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions; reduce community and cabin noise, increase aircraft performance, safety, and reliability; and increase passenger comfort. The project is also consistent with the goals of the NASA General Aviation Propulsion Program (GAP) and the NASA Small Airplane Transportation System (SATS).
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The direct commercial potential for the proposed project is the manufacture and sale of:· A general aviation airplane incorporating the proposed diesel rotary engine technology. · Production and sale of rotary diesel engines to other light aircraft manufacturers. · Production & sale of rotary diesel engines to other users such as marine & auxiliary power units. Global Aircraft Corporation is currently certifying its GT-3 Trainer airplane under FAA Part 23 Regulations. The Company is in the process of starting production of a revolutionary new composite propeller that has been developed under the NASA SBIR Program. The Company currently has available funding to construct the initial production facility by November 1998. Global has adequate financial reserves in the current credit facility to finance production of the Rand Cam rotary diesel aircraft engine to be developed and FAA certified in Phase II. Assuming the goals of the Phase I and Phase II Projects are achieved, Global Aircraft will team with an existing engine manufacturer to FAA certificate, produce, and market the rotary diesel engine to both domestic and international aviation markets. Several engine manufacturers have indicated an interest in producing the engine when it is proven technically feasible. A recent market survey by the Company indicates that the potential marine market for such an engine is ten times larger than the aviation market. This market does not require the expensive costs of FAA certification and offers a lower cost start-up market for the engine. The lower start-up costs and increased production volume for the marine market will greatly benefit the aviation market by lowering production cost and spreading development and manufacturing tooling costs over a substantially larger market volume.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael R. Smith
Global Aircraft Corporation
P.O. Box 850
Starkville , MS 39760
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Global Aicraft Corporation
P.O. Box 850
Starkville , MS 39760
PROJECT TITLE: Compression Ignition Engine for Light Aircraft
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal is for the construction and preliminary testing of a simple crankcase scavenged, high speed, compression ignition, two-stroke engine which has a cylinder displacement suitable for a six cylinder engine of approximately 80 horsepower, primarily for light aircraft application. The high speed capability would result from a compact, high capacity crankpin bearing configuration which enables high crankcase compression, and a very simple, low pressure, self-injection and combustion system which has already shown itself capable of very high rotational speeds. It is anticipated that this configuration will combine the best features of crankcase scavenged two-stroke engines, namely, lowest cost, highest power to weight ratio, and simplicity, with the best features of compression ignition, namely, excellent fuel economy, greatly reduced fire hazard, and reduced impact on the environment because of the elimination of the need for leaded fuels.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
It is estimated that the potential annual worldwide markets for this engine are as follows:Light Aircraft - 15,000 units per year Portable fire pumps - 10,000 to 100,000 units per year Unmanned Air Vehicles - 100 to 1000 units per year
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Edward J. Morgan
SIETEC Corporation
763 Martin Ave.
Fond du Lac , WI 54935
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
SIETEC Corporation
763 Martin Ave.
Fond du Lac , WI 54935
PROJECT TITLE: A Lifetime Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) and Model Deformation Imaging System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The development of a commercially viable, pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) lifetime imaging system that incorporates model deformation is proposed. Phase I focuses on performing a feasibility and optimization study and demonstrates a prototype system. Phase II will further develop this state-of-the-art, lifetime PSP/deformation imaging system and demonstrate its capabilities in a wind tunnel. The significance of such a commercial system is that it has the potential to replace conventional pressure-tap measurement systems and it also combines two measurement techniques into one. Thus, the proposed instrument can significantly outperform current PSP image-based intensity measurement systems, both in terms of data quality and wind tunnel productivity. The approach is innovative in its application of solid-state CCD gating technology and the combination of PSP and photogrammetric model deformation measurements. The system may be applied to the design of advanced aircraft, rotorcraft, automobiles, and structures. Its use would provide detailed quantitative aerodynamic-loads distribution information, significantly reducing design cycle time and cost.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Given the ability of PSP to provide a continuous surface pressure map, it has the potential to usurp conventional pressure-tap systems and significantly reduce design-cycle time and costs. The proposed system would provide detailed quantitative aerodynamic-loads and deformation distributions. The system would be applicable to the design of advanced aircraft, rotorcraft, automobiles, and structures. Commercial systems are currently limited to intensity measurements using scientific-grade cameras. However, the accuracy attainable with these systems is often inadequate and their productivity is sub-optimal. The fact that commercial systems are available, in spite of the relative immaturity of PSP technology, suggests that a sizable commercial market does indeed exist. Indeed, a preliminary market survey indicates a strong desire for a commercial PSP system, particularly in small-scale laboratories. Significant interest was also expressed by the automotive (including high-performance race teams) and architectural industries. Furthermore, historical parallels between the development of PSP systems and other successful commercially available fluid-dynamic measurement systems (namely CTA, LDV, and PIV), combined with the prevalence of surface pressure measurements, suggest a bright future for the proposed system.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Louis N. Cattafesta III
High Technology Corporation
28 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
High Technology Corporation
28 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666
PROJECT TITLE: Simultaneous Multi Point Velocity, Density and Temperature Measurements using Laser Induced Thermal Acoustics (LITA)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Laser-induced thermal acoustics (LITA) is a nonintrusive, transient-grating optical technique that provides simultaneous high-accuracy measurements of sound-speed/temperature and velocity (0.02% is readily achieved) and thermal diffusivity and density (~1%), among other parameters. We are engineering a computer-controlled semi-portable LITA system for robust, long-baseline (0.5 to 2 m) measurements. This novel system automatically adjusts beam-pointing mirrors using misalignment information extracted from signals in real time. In Phase I, we propose to incorporate LITA velocimetry into this system, revise the system design to increase the measurement rate to >100 Hz, and implement measurements that simultaneously resolve fluid and flow properties along a line. In Phase II, we will fully implement these extended capabilities and will pursue burst-mode acquisitions for measurement rates up to 1 MHz to accommodate demanding dynamic experiments. We have made accurate LITA measurements in gases under one-tenth atmospheric density to well over 100 times atmospheric density, in sprays, in strong, compressible turbulence, and in luminous and particle-laden flows. Our LITA system will feature self-alignment and self-calibration to prevent delayed experiments and lost data while lightening operator load and improving measurement accuracy. Providing velocimetry and dramatically increased measurement rates, the proposed system will be ideal for high-value ground-test experiments.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Because LITA is the first non-intrusive flow diagnostic that can be used to measure instantaneous thermodynamic state and velocity simultaneously at a point in an unseeded flow, it may replace combinations of other diagnostic tools such as laser Doppler velocimetry. Additionally, LITA provides accurate measurements over a wide range of conditions including high-pressure and reacting flows, making it a valuable technique for combustor and chemical reactor test and development. Because of its automatic alignment, calibration, and data analysis, the high-measurement-rate LITA-based instrument we propose will open new markets for unattended process monitoring.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Thomas H. Sobota
Advanced Projects Research, Incorporated
1925 McKinley Avenue, Suite B
La Verne , CA 91750
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Advanced Projects Research, Incorporated
1925 McKinley Avenue, Suite B
La Verne , CA 91750
PROJECT TITLE: High Accuracy Fiber-Optic Sensor Model Force Balance System for Wind Tunnels
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this SBIR Phase I program, MicroPhotonics, Inc. proposes to develop a model force balance system that utilizes fiber optic sensors to provide accurate and reliable measurement of aerodynamics loads for use in both conventional and cryogenic wind tunnels. The goal is to develop a system that has an accuracy of at least 0.01% of full-scale (FS) load that is insensitive to temperature gradients. The proposed technical approach is based on newly developed fiber sensor technologies - "Self Calibrated Interferometric/Intensity-Based (SCIIB) Fiber Sensors" and "Absolute Displacement Fiber Optic Sensor (ADFOS)" both of which have full scale accuracies greater than 0.01% (greater than 0.001% FS for the ADFOS) In this program, MicroPhotonics, Inc. will collaborate with Dr. Roger Simpson of the Aerospace Department, and with the Fiber & Electro-Optics Research Center (FEORC) at Virginia Tech, where the SCIIB sensor technology was initiated and developed. The successful completion of this SBIR Phase I program will lead to clear demonstration of the technical feasibility of the proposed fiber-optic sensor based model force measurement system, and place a solid basis for Phase II work to develop the demonstrated technologies to the level where commercial products are viable.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed fiber sensor balance system can be applied to loadcells which would be especially attractive in a wide range of harsh environment applications, where conventional loadcells are difficult to use. Among many such applications include: 1) extreme temperature environments, 2) high radiation, and 3) high EMI areas. These combined advantages would allow to change the situation of sever lack of information in many harsh environment industrial processes. The knowledge gained during this program would also be applicable to the development of sensors for measurement in petroleum wells and reservoirs where currently no reliable sensors are available, but such measurements are crucial for efficient and economical oil recovery.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Kevin A. Shinpaugh
MicroPhotonics
415 Chestnut Avenue
New Castle , VA 24127-9519
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
MicroPhotonics, Inc
P.O. Box 11434
Blacksburg , VA 24062-1434
PROJECT TITLE: Wireless Autonomous Sensor Package (WASP)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A need exists for small devices that can measure various aerodynamic pressures associated with airfoils in flight. The device should be useful in wind tunnel testing as well as flight testing. In addition, the device should have the following characteristics: (1) a low profile to minimize interference with the airflow/airfoil relationships being measured; (2) autonomous, meaning a self-powered device with its own transducer that communicates its data wirelessly; (3) non-intrusive, which is defined as a bonded attachment to an airfoil; and (4) subsequent removal without shape or structural changes to the airfoil. Invocon, Inc. proposes a to develop a Wireless Autonomous Sensor Package (WASP) with these characteristics. This package is unique due to the integration of low power electronics, power scavenging capabilities, "stick on" installation, low profile, and integrated wireless communications - all within a height profile of 0.1 inches. Further innovation is involved with the spectral and temporal modulation used to wirelessly transmit data from the device to a remote data recording and transmission location. The use of such a device would reduce the cost of test equipment setup and installation. Flight test cost reductions result in lower cost aircraft with a shorter time to market.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The commercial driver for the WASP hardware must come from reduced maintenance costs. These reductions in maintenance costs would be from reduced number of inspections, faster inspections, replacement of parts when stress service life is reached instead of part replacement on a time schedule, constant analysis of structural trend data that would detect even the smallest of changes in airframe health, and constant verification of design and repair changes to airframes. All these and numerous other maintenance advantages will combine to drastically alter the maintenance costs on commercial aircraft thereby resulting in higher profits for the air carriers. This increase in the bottom line profits will stimulate investment and thus support the introduction of a variety of on-board sensors and data acquisition systems. This sensor package could be beneficial to any application involving the measurement of aerodynamic forces. In addition to the commercial and military aviation markets, automotive manufacturers, the shipping industry and the aerospace industry have a number of remote sensing applications and requirements that could integrate the advantages of remote MEMS sensing. Maintenance and development costs could be significantly reduced with the reduction in the need for wire interconnect.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Steven Schram
INVOCON, INC.
19221 IH 45 South, Suite 530
Conroe , TX 77385
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
INVOCON, INC.
19221 I-45 South, Suite 530
Conroe , TX 77385
PROJECT TITLE: Global Nonlinear Stability, Identification and Control Toolbox for Unsteady Aerodynamic and Aeroservoelastic Models
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Future flight vehicles are expected to achieve high performance by actively controlling unsteady aerodynamic and nonlinear aeroservoelastic (NL-ASE) phenomena. At present, the fundamental mechanisms that contribute to unsteady flow phenomena and nonlinear effects are not well understood, and there is a great need for developing design methods which address dynamic nonlinearities. In this Phase~I project, we propose to develop a nonlinear stability, system Identification and control software toolbox for investigating nonlinear unsteady aerodynamic and ASE effects. Our approach will make use of Bifurcation and Chaos Theory Methodology (BACTM). BACTM is used to develop bifurcation diagrams which contain all the information needed to detect phenomena such as Hopf bifurcations to limit cycles, and determine changes in stability as functions of system parameters. Proposed work involves: (1) selection of indicial function aerodynamic models and nonlinear Benchmark Active Control Technology (BACT) system model, (2) global nonlinear anlysis of unsteady aerodynamic, NL-ASE models and falling leaf maneuver, (3) development of active control strategies, (4) development of nonlinear analysis software, (5) reporting. The software will allow the user to load differential equations of motion, compute bifurcations and visualize nonlinear behavior. Our primary areas for software demonstration will be unsteady aerodynamics and NL-ASE.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Aircraft dynamics, jet engines and combustion control represent very large markets for commercialization of these technologies. BACTM-related software products have direct applications in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, phase transitions, chemical instabilities, compressor stall, biology and communications. A nonlinear system identification, stability and control design toolbox is expected to have a very wide range of applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ravi K. Prasanth
Scientific Systems Company, Inc.
500 W. Cummings Park, Suite 3000
Woburn , MA 01801
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Scientific Systems Company, Inc.
500 W. Cummings Park Suite 3000
Woburn , MA 01801-6503
PROJECT TITLE: A Nonlinear Volterra Kernel Identification System for Aeroelastic Applications
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Nielsen Engineering & Research (NEAR) is proposing to develop an innovative Volterra kernel identification tool suitable for aeroelastic analysis from wind-tunnel or flight test data. Aeroelastic studies play a critical role in aircraft safety and design and, to accelerate the design process and reduce life cycle costs, nonlinear aerodynamic effects must be considered from the onset. The Volterra theory of nonlinear systems provides a mathematically rigorous approximation technique to describe these unsteady aerodynamic effects. A critical problem, however, is the difficulty of identifying the Volterra kernels. The proposed innovation is a time-domain Volterra kernel identification method which uses physically realizable inputs, is robust with respect to noise, and minimizes or eliminates the need for analytical assumptions. During the Phase I program, NEAR will implement the second-order version of the method and demonstrate its accuracy, robustness, and extendibility to higher-order kernels. Successful completion of the Phase I objectives will lead, in Phase II, to the development of an operational Volterra series identification and prediction tool. The resulting technology will provide a rational means of simulating nonlinear aerodynamic behavior in multidisciplinary analyses and will facilitate the incorporation of high fidelity tools into the preliminary design phase of aerospace vehicles.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed nonlinear identification system provides a unique capability that will extend the usefulness of wind-tunnel and flight test data by producing compact, reduced order models of unsteady nonlinear aerodynamic effects in aeroelastic analyses. The formulation of reduced order models in aeroelasticity is important for several reasons: (1) cost reduction and speed up of preliminary design cycles, (2) understanding of nonlinear behavior and elimination of later "surprises," and (3) real-time aeroservoelastic control applications. In addition, the market for efficient aeroelastic analysis tools in the next few years is expected to become significant because: (a) aeroelastic analyses are needed for every aerospace vehicle (aircraft, missile, or reusable launch vehicle), (b) as a consequence of aircraft modifications and expanded/changing missions, aging aircraft fleets throughout the world will require not one, but multiple aeroelastic analyses over time, and (c) small and mid-size companies will, increasingly, be required to perform such analyses on a routine basis for aircraft retrofits. These facts (necessity of aeroelastic analyses, multiplicity of such analyses over time, and anticipated "decentralization") all converge towards the establishment of a sizeable market for efficient analysis tools, of which NEAR's offering is a good example.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Patrick H. Reisenthel
Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA 94043-2212
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA 94043-2212
PROJECT TITLE: A Computational Tool for Rotor Design
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Increased use of helicopters in the civilian sector combined with interests in tilt rotor technology have identified a unique need for a computational tool capable of providing the many iterative solutions required to reach design closure in a timely manner. In the industrial setup, a computational tool is successful only if turnaround time can be reduced to a level where design cycles can be conducted within schedule and cost. This research proposes such a tool based on unstructured Cartesian grid. A finite-volume based numerical solver is proposed for solving vortex dominated flowfield of a rotor. The flowfield is modeled by the steady incompressible Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations discretized on unstructured Cartesian mesh. The rotor is modeled by a line of three-dimensional momentum sources. This project embodies important simplifications ensuring simplicity and efficiency. Unstructured Cartesian mesh allows refinement of grid only where necessary without compromising the advantages of structured Cartesian system. The resulting rotor simulation package will have the advantages necessary for industrial use. Phase I will concentrate on developing unstructured Cartesian solver for rotor applications with local refinements and acts as a proof of concept. For Phase II, inclusion of aircraft bodies will be emphasized.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The software developed under this initiative will find wide usage in the U.S. helicopter industries and aircraft industries in general. If the technique is found to be effective for aerodynamic load calculations of the rotor and body, its usefulness can be extended to rotor acoustics in future initiatives. In Phase III, the comprehensive aerodynamic prediction design tool will be wrapped with a Graphical User Interface with pre- and post-processing capabilities and will be licensed to the industry.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Sutikno Wirogo
Sukra Helitek Inc.
3146 Greenwood Road
Ames , IA 50014-4504
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Sukra Helitek Inc.
3146 Greenwood Road
Ames , IA 50014-4504
PROJECT TITLE: Rapid Prediction of Total Rotor Flows Including Stall and Body Effects Using Sparse Grid CFD Techniques
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The design and analysis of modern rotorcraft requires computational tools capable oftreating extremely complex aerodynamic problems. These include strong induced flow effects, interactions of the rotor and its wake system, transonic flow, flow reversal, flow separation on retreating rotors, and dynamic stall. Also, the interaction of the rotor wake and other components, such as the fuselage, tail rotor, and wing (for tilt-rotors), are significant. A number of techniques currently exist for computing complete rotorcraft aerodynamic flow fields. These range from comprehensive codes with fast but simplified aerodynamic modelling to full overset-grid Navier-Stokes methods. All have significant drawbacks either associated with inaccuracy or inefficiency. Flow Analysis, Inc. (FAI) has developed several accurate, efficient, and very unique CFD methods for treating rotor systems or bodies. The Vorticity Embedding method has been shown to be the only CFD-based method capable of providing three-dimensional, compressible flows with diffusion-free wakes. The Vorticity Confinement method has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the diffusion problem in Euler/Navier-Stokes methods and for providing efficient rotor body solutions. The current proposal involves the refinement of FAI methods for the modelling of dynamic stall and body flow predictions. The ultimate goal is the coupling of all of these methods. This approach will result in a computational tool that will enable the most efficient and accurate prediction of rotor flows that encompasses the entire spectrum of associated aerodynamic phenomena.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The design/analysis system that will result from the proposed research will enablerotorcraft companies to design more efficient, less costly rotorcraft. Further extensions, in Phase III, should provide a tool that will allow the U.S. aviation industry to be more competitive.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Marvin A. Moulton
Flow Analysis, Inc.
M.S. T19A
Moffett Field , CA 94035-1000
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Flow Analysis, Inc.
256 93rd Street
Brooklyn , NY 11209-6806
PROJECT TITLE: Blade Mounted Devices for Tiltrotor Performance Enhancement and Noise Reduction
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Enhancing performance and reducing noise generated by civil tiltrotor aircraft are central issues in the long-term success and acceptance of this breakthrough aeronautical technology. Attempts to formulate practical design, active control, or flight management strategies to overcome the penalties and compromises that constrain conventional tiltrotor designs have so far met with limited success. The proposed effort will build on recent insights into blade-mounted actuator design and helicopter noise mitigation, and will assess the potential of in-flight modification of tiltrotor blades for reducing the strong acoustic output of tiltrotors while also enhancing aircraft performance. The proposed control strategy will tailor blade loading and wake structure in key flight conditions and is projected to achieve dramatic payload or range increases and noise mitigation without prohibitive penalties in complexity. Tradeoffs will be studied of particular control strategies (direct twist change vs. deployable surfaces) and actuation methods (conventional vs. smart structures). Rapid and accurate assessment of potential configurations will be enabled by the use of well-validated software, and a spinoff benefit will be early implementation of advanced higher order aerodynamic design tools for this and related anlayses. The chief goal will be to enable demonstration of promising hardware at model scale in Phase II.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This performance enhancement and noise control technology would have direct application to mitigating the design compromises that currently limit the performance and acceptability of civil tiltrotor aircraft. Viable control mechanisms for noise mitigation and performance improvement would address some of the industry's most important design challenges.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Todd R. Quackenbush
Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
P.O. Box 3073
Princeton , NJ 08543-3073
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
P.O. Box 3073
Princeton , NJ 08543-3073
PROJECT TITLE: High-Lift Transition Prediction Module
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
It is now widely-accepted that the knowledge of boundary-layer transition onset is crucial for the prediction of aerodynamic performance of high-lift systems using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods. Currently, no CFD code has a built-in reliable transition prediction capability which forces designers to rely on the wind tunnel data to fix transition in the CFD computations. There are two problems with this approach. First, transition onset data are not available for all the conditions on all airfoil elements. Second, and more importantly, wind tunnel results do not scale to flight due to the environmental effects on transition. This prevents CFD computations from accurately determining the performance of new high-lift devices under flight conditions. A fast high-lift transition prediction module, which could be plugged into various CFD codes, is in dire need. The proposed project is aimed at fulfilling this need. A physics-based transition prediction module will be developed which could be easily incorporated in existing CFD codes for designing multi-element airfoils and for optimizing high-lift devices. The proposed module, after phase I research and phase II development, will be suitable for production CFD codes.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This physics-based, transition prediction module will be employed in all CFD codes used to design high-lift systems for subsonic aircraft as well as High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). In fact, this module will be of use in all aerodynamic designs, not just high-lift systems.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ray-Sing Lin
High Technology Corporation
28 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
High Technology Corporation
28 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666
PROJECT TITLE: Aircraft Drag Reduction by Vortex Control
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A comprehensive program involving water tunnel testing, Navier-Stokes computer code analysis, transonic wind tunnel testing and system integration studies is proposed to reduce the drag levels caused by the first generation design of the forebody/pilots cab drag levels on 727/737 and 707 aircraft now in service. The Phase I program will demonstrate by testing and analysis the complex flow phenomena causing the problem and will investigate by the water tunnel test some unique add-on type modifications designed to modify the vortex flow and thereby reduce the drag levels. Phase II will continue the water tunnel testing, the computer code analysis and will include a large scale model transonic wind tunnel test to demonstrate by accurate force balance measurements cost-effective modifications with the desired drag reductions. System integration and marketing studies will also be conducted in Phase II. The implementation of the drag-reducing modifications to these aircraft will have a substantial fuel-savings benefit and will reduce the noise levels in the pilot?s cab improving the pilot?s comfort.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The successful Phase I and Phase II programs will have a direct application to over 6000 aircraft now flying in the world. The control and mitigation of the vortex flows will reduce the forebody/pilot's cab drag levels resulting in over 100 million dollars saved by reduced fuel costs for the 727/737, and 707 (KC135, E3) aircraft.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
John T. Kutney, Sr.
KCS-COS-INC
110 Wentworth Ave
Cincinnati , OH 45215
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
KCS-COS-INC
110 Wentworth Ave
Cincinnati , OH 45215
PROJECT TITLE: Query-based Post-processing and Visualization of Complex CFD Data Using Extracts and Feature Detection
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Large-scale, 3D simulations of complex configurations using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are becoming increasingly common in the design of aircraft, aerospace vehicles and propulsion systems. Researchers are faced with the daunting task of interpreting these data sets to understand complex flow phenomena and make design decisions. Current methods use visualization to present images of the flow results to the human visual system for interpretation. There are two drawbacks to this approach: (a) the researcher is forced to use low-level tools (like color-mapped planes or streamlines) to attempt to detect subtle features like stagnation regions and (b) visualization is usually an indirect method and does not allow the researcher to simply ask for what he or she wants to know. A typical query might be: Where, if at all, do any strong shocks impinge upon the airframe? The offeror proposes herein to create an intelligent, query-based software system that combines feature detection tools with culling, searching and comparison operations to answer questions and automatically create meaningful visualizations of the query results. Adding such a capability to any visualization environment will greatly increase the speed at which large viscous flow computations can be interpreted, communicated and therefore, understood.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Post-processing of large scale CFD data from aerospace, automotive and chemical processing industries. Enhancement of optimization software environments.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael D. Schechterman
JMSI, Inc. dba Intelligent Light
1099 Wall St. West Suite 387
Lyndhurst , NJ 07071
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
JMSI, Inc. dba Intelligent Light
1099 Wall St. West Suite 387
Lyndhurst , NJ 07071
PROJECT TITLE: A Genetic Programming System for Evolving Chemical Kinetics Models
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Evolution Enterprises has developed a patent-pending system for genetic programming based on a concise, powerful set of operators which are particularly suitable for evolving programs for mathematical modeling. This system is a genetic programming system which is both simple and fast. This proposal describes the Phase I application of Evolution?s Automatic Program Generator (APG?) to create a mathematical model of chemical kinetics for propulsion reactions. In Phase I a prototype for a parallel architecture will be developed by using a Local Area Network to distribute processing across machines. In Phase II a finished version will be developed and a hardware design will be created to implement it in flexible logic componens or even a custom chip. This product will allow NASA to quickly determine which reactions are worth more detailed analysis. The system has many other applications which are of interest to NASA including the characterization of new materials both on earth and in a microgravity environment, automating spacecraft maneuvers, on-board planning, scheduling and resource allocation, and evolving hardware designs on demand.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The first and closest commercial application of the APG is in chemical process control modeling. From there Evolution plans to diversify to such markets aerospace engineering, simulation, robotics and other industries where intelligent control technology is particularly useful. For such real-time applications a parallel version of the APG is absolutely necessary.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
William P. Worzel
Evolution Enterprises Inc
214 West Main St
Milan , MI 48160
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Evolution Enterprises Inc
214 West Main St
Milan , MI 48160
PROJECT TITLE: Active Flow Control on Rotor Blades to Improve Compressor Stability
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Technology in Blacksburg, Inc. proposes to improve gas turbine compressor stability and reduce losses by employing flow control on the rotor blades. The suction-side boundary layer on the rotor blade will be bled off, the air will be re-energized using a MEMS-based micropump embedded within the blade. The air will then be used for trailing edge blowing from the rotor. Boundary layer separation, which occurs on the suction surface at off-design conditions, produces a larger blade wake and can contribute to aerodynamic losses. For a highly-loaded stage, this flow separation can also influence stall margin and aeromechanical interactions between stages. The team at Techsburg has a great deal of experience with flow control in gas turbine engines. Techsburg is currently carrying out a Phase I SBIR (from Wright Lab) where boundary layer suction and trailing edge blowing are being used to prevent flow separation and reduce losses for high-turning stators. This proposal extends the concept to the rotor. In Phase I, aerodynamic measurements will be taken in a low-speed axial compressor. Work in Phase II and Phase III will involve testing in a high-speed fan rig, possibly at NASA Lewis or Allied Signal. This technology could result in increased efficiency and stability, along with reduced noise and aeromechanical interactions.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Following Phase II, Techsburg will license the technology to an engine manufacturer. We will then work closely with the engine maker to field test and commercialize an integrated boundary layer suction/wake-filling system. The commercial product of this program will be an integrated package (wireless control system and MEMS devices) to improve the efficiency, stall margin, aeroacoustics, and high-cycle fatigue of gas turbine engines. The primary customer will be an engine manufacturer. Engine manufacturers will, in turn, market their engines (with this technology) to airplane manufacturers and the military. Cost of ownership and durability are major goals in the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) initiative, and this technology addresses both areas. This technology has applications for land-based and marine gas turbines as well as aircraft engines. Flow control could also be adapted and used to reduce the noise of many types of rotating machinery, such as air blowers in HVAC systems. Flow control could also be used to build quieter submarines. Stabilizers immediately upstream of the propeller create flow distortion that generates noise due to interactions with the propeller. With this program, NASA has the opportunity to develop technology that has applications in a wide range of fields.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Thomas Leitch
Technology in Blacksburg, Inc.
1004 Doe Run Drive
Blacksburg , VA 24060
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Technology in Blacksburg, Inc.
1004 Doe Run Drive
Blacksburg , VA 24060
PROJECT TITLE: Augmenting a Commercial Spreadsheet to Support Design, Analysis, and Optimization
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The use of software has substantially supplanted hand calculations in engineering. This has undeniably improved accuracy, completeness, and efficiency, but the reliance on software may cause the unwary engineer to lose a sense of which input parameters and assumptions drive the important outputs of the calculation. This lack of knowledge hampers optimization efforts and may hide errors. Perturbation techniques have been developed to alleviate these problems in large codes. These techniques allow the rapid calculation of the change in selected outputs of a model with respect to the input parameters. Another use is to identify the most important parts of a model. Many if not most typical engineering problems are addressed, not with large codes, but with spreadsheets. Creare proposes to develop an "add-in" to a commercial spreadsheet that will automatically apply these techniques to the model with no additional effort required by the user. This will foster a deeper understanding of the model and will improve the effectiveness of optimization efforts. Given the widespread popularity of spreadsheets for design and analysis, the development of the spreadsheet add-in offers substantial and immediate benefits for NASA and other engineering organizations.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Spreadsheets are ubiquitous at NASA, NASA contractors, and in the commercial world in general. Engineers and other users of spreadsheets will benefit from increased understanding of the robustness of their models and of the sensitivity of the key outputs to changes in input parameters and assumptions.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Marc A. Kenton
Creare Incorporated
P.O. Box 71, Etna Road
Hanover , NH 03755-0071
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Creare Incorporated
P.O. Box 71, Etna Road
Hanover , NH 03755-0071
PROJECT TITLE: Next Generation Preliminary Design Technology
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Designing 21st century civil and military aircraft for minimum development and life cycle costs, and maximum performance requires aerodynamic models for a new generation of preliminary design tools. These models will enable efficient multi-point optimization early in the design cycle - including the incorporation of high risk/high payoff technologies into new vehicles - while complementing the capabilities of current high end CFD methods. These new capabilities can be realized by incorporating a novel zonal approach to airframe flow modeling tailored for use in design optimization software. This approach builds on the coupling of two innovations in aerodynamic modeling: an efficient potential flow solver built on fast panel methods for unstructured surface meshes; and a novel method for modeling of transonic flow over 3D wing/bodies, using simplified analytical and numerical far field descriptions to achieve dramatic reductions in mesh generation and convergence time, and providing fast generation of sensitivity derivatives for design optimization. Integration of this zonal airframe flow solver within a state of the art optimization system will lead to a major reduction in design evaluation times while providing analysts with an expanded-envelope modeling tool to enhance the physical fidelity available in the preliminary design process for future aircraft configurations.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The design tools proposed here have direct application to commercial aircraft design, which would experience an equal or greater benefit from the application of this technology. Collaboration with industry designers and third party software suppliers will ensure rapid transition to civil jet and turboprop transport design applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
William J. Usab
Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
P.O. Box 3073
Princeton , NJ 08543-3073
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Continuum Dynamics, Inc.
P.O. Box 3073
Princeton , NJ 08543-3073
PROJECT TITLE: Very Large Scale Structural Optimization
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The objective here is to develop the technology to efficiently solve structural optimization problems with very large numbers of design variables and constraints. Present numerical optimization algorithms, which are highly efficient and reliable, require storage of sensitivity information for large numbers of responses. Also, the direction finding problem requires solution of a large sub-problem, often requiring significant computational resources. To overcome these limitations, the effort proposed here will be devoted to 1) developing one or more algorithms which do not require storing large amounts of sensitivity information in central memory or using "spill logic" to store and manipulate this information and 2) developing algorithms that do not require solution of a large and time consuming sub-problem to find a search direction. Once candidate algorithms are identified, a prototype computer program will be created to study the proposed algorithm(s). The GENESIS program from VMA Engineering will be used as a test program to generate design problems with many thousands of design variables and constraints. The goal is to create and market commercial software that allows the engineer to solve structural optimization problems on the order of tens of thousands of design variables and constraints.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial applications are immediately insured by adding this technology to existing structural optimization software such as GENESIS. This will allow engineers to consider much larger numbers of design variables than are now possible for conventional structures such as aircraft wings and fuselages. Also, this will be directly applicable to topology optimization with general nonlinear constriants.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Garret N. Vanderplaats
Vanderplaats Research & Development, Inc.
1767 S. 8th Street, Suite 210
Colorado Springs , CO 80906
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Vanderplaats Research & Development, Inc
1767 S. 8th Street, Stite M210
Colorado Springs , CO 80906
PROJECT TITLE: Development and Commercialization of a Finite Element Multidisciplinary Engineering Analysis Capability
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal is concerned with the enhancement and commercialization of a finite element based aero-structural-controls-propulsion modeling and simulation software developed by the company by partial funding from NASA DFRC. The Engineering Computations (EC) version of the code, currently widely used at DFRC in support of a number of practical projects, needs to be further developed for wider use of the code by a potentially larger number of users.The goal of this project is to develop seamless interface of the EC-STARS program to solid modeling tools such as IDEAS, PRO-E and CATIA codes among others. Additionally, an optimizer code will also be attached to the STARS program to effect optimization of a structural design pertaining to an aerospace vehicle. The EC has made considerable investment of its own during the last eighteen months in maintaining, enhancing and commercializing the code. Primarily thruogh this effort, the code is being disseminated to a number of organizations. Much more effort is needed in this connection and this proposal details out a broad agenda to that effect, in line with our past and the current effort. With such proposed technical enhancements and an effective commercialization program it is expected that the EC-STARS program will emerge as the leader in this important technical discipline.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
An automated advanced computer-aided design and analysis software package will be the end product of this task, capable of effective modeling and simulation of advanced aerospace vehicles. A strong commercialization effort will also be implimented for very wide distribution of the software.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. S. S. Saghera
Engineering Computations
18814 Rochelle Ave.
Cerritos , CA 90703
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Engineering Computations
18814 Rochelle Avenue
Cerritos , CA 90703
PROJECT TITLE: Stereolithography for Advanced Aeronautical Models
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A new method of manufacturing ceramic aeronautical models is proposed that promises to shorten the fabrication time from the current 2 - 3 weeks, down to 2 - 5 days. In addition, the process will enable signficant advances in aerothermodynamic testing including models with embedded sensors and adjustable aerogeometry. The process is based on stereolithography, a freeform fabrication approach that is widely used and recognized as providing high accuracy, excellent surface finish and fast build speeds. The innovation is the development of photocurable ceramic slips that are compatible with commercial stereolithography machines. The photocurable slips enable stereolithographic fabrication of green state ceramic models, which can subsequently be debound and sintered - directly analogous to the drying and sintering steps used in the current slip casting approach to ceramic model fabrication. In addition to these benefits, the Phase I effort will explore the feasibility of using alternative ceramic materials that impart higher strength and toughness for more durable ceramic models than the current silica material.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Applications of the proposed capability include fabrication of ceramic aeronautical models, ceramic forms for latex molding, and extractable silica cores for investment casting of complex shape metal components.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Walter Zimbeck
Ceramic Composites, Inc.
1110 Benfield Blvd
Millersville, , MD 21401
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Ceramic Composites, Inc.
1110 Benfield Blvd.
Millersville , MD 21108-3100
PROJECT TITLE: Unified Process Management System for Computational Fluid Dynamics
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The project objective is to create a unified process management system for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes using the NASA flow solver PAB3D as the prototype solver. Initially a basic system will be created to tie together the existing PAB3D system which includes a preprocessor, main solver and a post-processor. The basic system will include tools for intelligently guided grid modification and algorithm selection. In Phase II, guidance will be added to all aspects of the system, in the form of a highly interactive interface that will offer detailed advice on grid quality, solver algorithm choice including parameter settings, and evaluation of key flow features. An innovative feature of the system will be its ability to redistribute and adapt the grid in order to improve the robustness and accuracy of the solution. The final form of the system will fully implement the recently published CFD General Notation System (CGNS) and thus will be able to drive multiple CFD codes easily. This will directly benefit NASA by providing a powerful expert system interface to its many research codes. An additional benefit to NASA will be the encouragement of CFD input/output standardization, since a code developer could obtain a mature expert system for his code by adopting the CGNS standard.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
CFD codes are increasingly being used by small companies, research organizations, educational institutions, and private entrepreneurs. By making CFD tools more robust while also improving the accuracy and providing physical insight to the user, the newly developed system will increase the commercial viability of CFD as useful design tool. Major industries that use CFD codes include aerospace, automotive, bio-medical, electronics packaging, manufacturing, and civil engineering. Computational efficiency is key in producing quality CFD results quickly enough to be of use to commercial design engineers. Often, inexperienced or rushed users will unknowingly pose grossly inefficient problems due to poor grid design and/or algorithm setup. The commercial value of a unified expert system is that its detailed feedback and automatic grid modification capabilities will allow novice users to quickly gain experience in properly posed CFD analysis, while under minimal supervision. Experts will also benefit by the ability to quickly switch between different CFD codes to obtain the best fit for the flow regime under consideration, thus maintaining design cost.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Khaled Abdol-Hamid
Analytical Services & Materials, Inc.
107 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23693-1340
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Analytical Services & Materials, Inc.
107 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666-1340
PROJECT TITLE: Intelligent Simulation Environment for Computation-Intensive Design Processes
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this program, HyPerComp, Inc., a small company and a leader in the development of high performance computing software for defense and commercial applications, in strategic alliance with Boeing, a world renowned aerospace company, and with Rockwell Science Center, a shared resource R&D center for Rockwell and Boeing, proposes to develop a comprehensive framework for an operational Intelligent Simulation Environment (ISE)system that would go beyond traditional knowledge bases in that it will make available not only static knowledge (through knowledge capture and mining) but also dynamic knowledge (through on-demand simulations) to the designer/engineer. Some of the modules of the ISE system will include: 1) Master Designer Expert System, 2) Local Expert Controller for CFD Tools, 3) Local Expert Controller for Analytical Tools, 4) Inter-Expert Intelligent Agents, and 5) System Demonstration. Such an information technology-based environment combined with advances being made in unstructured grid-based computational solution algorithms and parallel computing architectures will provide a framework to meet NASA's goals in decreasing the current design cycle time and cost by 50%.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Given a strong "technology pull" and a close working relationship with industry, the small business can develop technology with a virtual guarantee that it will be applied. This relationship exists between HyPerComp, Inc. and Boeing. Boeing needs the technologies proposed under this Phase I (and Phase II) SBIR project. Because Boeing is strongly invested in many major commercial and government projects, the technology can and will be applied. The technology developed during this effort will be applied to the following Boeing programs as needed: Commercial programs such as the design, production, and maintenance of commercial aircraft; Commercial space transportation programs such as Space Shuttle (via the Boeing-Lockheed United Space Alliance), Sea Launch, Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV), RLV/X-33, and Future X; Government programs including military aircraft such as the F-18, F-22, Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and the DarkStar; Government space related programs including the Airborne Laser, National Missile Defense System, Kinetic Energy Weapons, the International Space Station, and numerous satellite systems. The primary commercialization appeal of this technology is in building a design system for companies like Boeing interested in participating in the rapidly growing launch vehicle market for satellites.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Vijaya Shankar
HyPerComp, Inc.
31255 Cedar Valley Dr.
Westlake Village , CA 91362
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
HyPerComp, Inc.
31255 Cedar Valley Dr.
Westlake Village , CA 91362
PROJECT TITLE: Parallel Neural Network Computational Tools for Aero-Structural System Analysis and Design
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The SBIR Phase I project is to formulate and assess some innovative parallel neural net (NN) technology-based computational methods for multidisciplinary analysis and design optimization of coupled aerodynamic-structural systems. Both systemwise and disciplinary-wise NN model-based approaches will be used. Also to be formulated and assessed are the following: (i) a new neural biological computational model using the stochastic-type Integral Global/Local Optimization (IGLO) algorithm (developed by the Principal Investigator, PI), which is found to be one to two orders of magnitude more efficient than the Genetic Algorithms) for efficiently training an NN, particularly with discrete design variables; (ii) reduced NN optimization function models for enhancing NN training and optimization computational efficiencies; and (iii) an inverse NN method for directly finding an optimal design variable set as a function of constraint functions. In Phase II, the formulated and validated methodologies will be implemented into a prototype software package, PASAONNS. The use of NN technology in aeroelastic system analysis and design will result in almost instantaneous system response solution and computational speedup of optimization solution process by a factor of nearly one order of magnitude compared with finite element technique-based ones.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The general-purpose, parallel software package, PASAONNS, executable on both serial and parallel computer platforms, such as the IBM SP2 and inexpensive, single or networks of workstation(s) and PC clusters(s), will have great potential for commercial applications in various civilian and military industries (aerospace, automotive, etc.) for rapid preliminary analysis and design optimization.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Rong C. Shieh
Advanced Mechanics Technology, Ltd.
6508 Anna Maria Ct.
McLean , VA 22101
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Advanced Mechanics Technology, Ltd.
6508 Anna Maria Ct.
McLean , VA 22101
PROJECT TITLE: Automated System for CFD Solution Quality Assessment
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Solution quality assessment and diagnosis which reflect the depth of understanding possessed by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) experts is required to make efficient use of modern CFD methods. The goal of this work is to develop an automated system which evaluates CFD solution quality and can be used routinely to increase the reliability of CFD in a design environment. The system will consist of algorithms which interrogate the solution and a trainable system based on artificial neural networks which can interpret the algorithmic output and reach expert conclusions. The aerospace industry has enunciated the need for this type of analysis tool, and the proposed work will be performed in collaboration with a large aerospace organization. It is intended that the proposed system could be used to automate tasks which currently require intensive human effort. A long term goal is to develop a system which regulates the CFD process and leads to reliable high-quality results.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed research has significant commercial potential. CFD is becoming widely used in many industries, but solution quality assessment is a labor intensive process that requires significant CFD expertise. The automated quality assessment system will improve the efficiency and reliability with which CFD methods are used in industry.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Robert E. Childs
Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA 94043-2212
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Nielsen Engineering & Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA 94043-2212
PROJECT TITLE: Raman Imaging Diagnostics for Practical Combustors (7168-550)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop and demonstrate a Raman imaging system for high-pressure aeropropulsion applications. The primary motivation for this work is to provide instantaneous two-dimensional measurements of species concentrations in practical combustion environments. Raman scattering techniques do not require the introduction of any flow markers and may provide simpler interpretation than other scattering techniques. The proposed Raman imaging system will provide critical information for the design and development of advanced aeropropulsion systems. In the Phase I experiments, PSI will demonstrate Raman imaging in an existing high-pressure gas turbine combustor simulator at PSI. This facility can be easily adapted to accept a range of fuel types and is representative of a general class of problems in high-pressure combustion. An existing flash-lamp-pumped dye laser will be modified to demonstrate both intracavity and extracavity measurement techniques. An existing intensified CCD array camera with a unique multi-wavelength viewer attachment will simultaneously image both fuel and oxygen concentrations. The Phase I experiments will be used to design a deliverable Raman imaging system for a targeted NASA combustion application during the Phase II portion of the program.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed measurement technique and system has application to the development and testing of a wide range of practical combustion systems operating at elevated pressure. These include gas turbines for stationary power generation, advanced low-emissions aeroengines, and advanced propulsion systems such as SCRAMJETs or pulsed detonation engines. Physical Sciences Inc.'s Aerodynamic Measurement Technology Business area was established in 1992 to address this commercial market and has generated several million dollars in sales to date, including custom instrumentation suites, testing services, and consulting.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jonathan H. Frank
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover , MA 01810-1077
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover , MA 01810-1077
PROJECT TITLE: Single Crystal SiC Pressure Sensor
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Boston MicroSystems Inc. will apply its innovative bulk SiC micromachining processes to fab-ricate, for the first time, under-etched membranes of precise and reproducible thickness leading to the fabrication of pressure sensors with high sensitivity, stability and interchangeability. This project simultaneously satisfies a number of NASA's objectives and requirements under subtopic 06.11 including (a) MEMS based pressure sensors capable of operating under extreme conditions of temperature and gaseous/chemical environments (b) innovations in silicon carbide sensor fab-rication and (c ) compatibility and ready integration with high-temperature SiC based electronics and/or structural ceramics. During Phase I, we will (a) fabricate and evaluate freestanding single crystal SiC pressure sensor membranes, (b) optimize process parameters for fabricating the key elements of the device, (c ) investigate new metallization schemes, and (d) design a prototype SiC pressure sensor suitable for insertion into aeropropulsion systems. The SiC pressure sensor will satisfy the growing need for sensors capable of functioning while mounted in hot engine and air frame surfaces of air and space vehicles, leading to savings in weight, aircraft safety, im-provements in engine performance and control, and provide new test instrumentation capabilities for developing next generation aircraft systems.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
SiC MEMS based devices will satisfy the pressing needs of the aerospace, automotive and proc-ess industries for pressure sensors capable of operating under extreme conditions of temperature and gaseous/chemical environment for use in (a) advanced aeropropulsion control systems (b) combustion monitoring and exhaust pressure measurements and (c ) chemical processing facili-ties. Compatibility and ready integration with high-temperature SiC based electronics provides for substantial savings in cost and weight coupled with improved functionality, of special interest to the aerospace industry.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Richard Mlcak
Boston MicroSystems, Inc.
356 Walnut Street
Wellesley , MA 02181
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Boston MicroSystems, Inc.
356 Walnut Street
Wellesley , MA 02181
PROJECT TITLE: Aluminum Nitride Packages for High-Power, High-Temperature Electronics
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Silicon carbide integrated circuit devices capable of operating up to 1200C are being developed. However, no packages are available for these devices to be integrated into systems. This program will develop a hermetically sealed aluminum nitride ceramic package for silicon carbide devices operating at 500C and beyond. In Phase I, commercially available aluminum nitride substrates will be metallized with a suitable high temperature metallization. Silicon carbide die will be bonded to the metallized substrate via brazing. Die to package interconnection will be done by wire bonding. Test vehicles will be fabricated to evaluate high temperature stability of the substrate metallization, die attach, and wire bonding systems. Electron microscopy and electron spectroscopy will be used to characterize the interfaces between dissimilar components.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The potential commercial applications for high-temperature AlN packages include well logging, automotive electronics (brakes and sensors), aircraft electronics (engine- and skin-mounted sensors), nuclear power systems, high-power electronics, and gas-ion lasers.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Ender Savrun
Sienna Technologies, Inc.
19501 144th Avenue NE, Suite F-500
Woodinville , WA 98072-6426
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Sienna Technologies, Inc.
19501 144th Avenue NE-Suite F-500
Woodinville , WA 98072-6426
PROJECT TITLE: High Temperature Shock-Resistant Catalytic Combustor for Aeropropulsion Engines
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The use of catathermal, or catalytically enhanced (surface-catalyzed), combustion allows combustion systems to operate at improved efficiencies outside conventional air/fuel mixture ratios and at lower combustion temperatures. It can speed the combustion process, increasing heat release rates and allowing complete combustion to occur while minimizing detrimental byproducts such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. An Ultramet ceramic foam substrate, serving as the catalyst support for this technology, yields a catalyst device that not only improves combustion efficiency by at least 2-4% but also prevents flameout during fuel/air ratio fluctuations and minimizes the combustor exit temperature profile which maximizes turbine blade life. In this project, Ultramet proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a catalytic combustion system constructed around a reticulated ceramic foam substrate coated with a low-cost, environmentally benign mixed metal oxide catalyst system. Subscale combustor performance and emissions will be characterized, and a catalyst/support system will be demonstrated that is structurally and thermally compatible with catalytic combustion systems, has sufficient life, thermal shock resistance, and high temperature capability, and is immune to thermal poisoning effects.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Catalytic combustion systems can reduce pollution and increase combustion efficiency in aerospace applications such as the High-Speed Civil Transport, turbojet/turboshaft engines, tactical missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, and rotorcraft. Potential commercial uses include domestic heating, natural gas-powered pumps and turboelectric generators, and efficient utilization of low-grade byproduct gases in the petrochemical, metals processing, and waste incineration industries.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Alfred A. Zinn, Ph.D.
Ultramet
12173 Montague Street
Pacoima , CA 91331
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Ultramet
12173 Montague Street
Pacoima , CA 91331
PROJECT TITLE: HEAT EXCHANGER/REACTOR FOR ENDOTHERMIC FUELS USING ZEOLITE CATALYSTS
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Flight speed of hypersonic vehicles is limited because of insufficient cooling capacity in the aircraft fuel. The objective of this program is to create a small, fault-tolerant, catalytic heat exchanger/reactor (CHER) that dramatically increases the heat sink capacity of aircraft fuel. The innovation is an extremely compact heat exchanger core that (1) is coated with zeolite catalyst for cracking blended hydrocarbon fuels, and (2) completely isolates the fuel from the air side of the heat exchanger so that leaks can be detected before the fuel and air can mix. Fuel cracking is strongly endothermic, so the CHER produces a potent chemical heat sink. The compact, fault-tolerant CHER can enable hypersonic flight and boost the efficiency of next-generation turbine engines by enabling high turbine inlet temperatures. The technical objectives of Phase I are to prove the feasibility of the compact, fault-tolerant CHER by (1) demonstrating successful application of zeolite catalysts to prototypical heat exchanger surfaces, and (2) demonstrating fabrication methods for the fault-tolerant heat exchanger core.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The zeolite CHER is compact and lightweight, has low air-side pressure drops, is simple to manufacture, yields improved combustion performance, enables high temperature operation with reduced fuel deposits, and simplifies logistics by using conventional, blended aircraft fuels. Applications include ram air and structural cooling for hypersonic aircraft and turbine vane cooling for next-generation gas turbine engines.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Michael G. Izenson
Creare Incorporated
P.O. Box 71, Etna Road
Hanover , NH 03755
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Creare Incorporated
P.O. Box 71, Etna Road
Hanover , NH 03755-0071
PROJECT TITLE: Autonomous Integrated Reconfigurable Collision Avoidance System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The main motivation for a reconfigurable collision avoidance system is greater survivability, possible if the feedback system can reorganize itself in the presence of obstacles, actuator failures and surface damages. This project develops an autonomous integrated reconfigurable collision avoidance system to enhance the reliability, availability and durability for high altitude aircraft. The innovations of the project include: (1) development of fuzzy reconfigurable flight controllers; (2) development of a neural network based adaptive controller for performing self-optimization, on-line adaptation, and autonomous obstacle detection, fault detection and controller reconfiguration; (3) development of intelligent health monitoring techniques for aircraft, based on the integration of fuzzy neural work techniques with State Chi-Square Test (SCST) failure detection approaches; (4) development of an advanced decision aid system for collision avoidance; and (5) testing, demonstration and evaluation of the performance of the integrated intelligent health monitoring and reconfigurable flight control system via a nonlinear 6DOF aircraft simulation software environment. The deliverable of Phase I is a commercial product, Autonomous Integrated Reconfigurable Collision Avoidance System, which is a significant technological breakthrough with enormous commercial value.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This project will lead to autonomous integrated reconfigurable collision avoidance techniques which can significantly enhance the reliability, availability and durability of high altitude aircraft systems as well as other civil/military dynamic systems. The developed software can design high-performance reconfigurable control systems for autonomous vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft, mechanical systems, etc.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Ching-Fang Lin
American GNC Corporation
9131 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth , CA 91311
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
American GNC Corporation
9131 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth , CA 91311
PROJECT TITLE: Enhanced NLF Airfoil Pressure Recovery with Boundary Layer Mixing Devices
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Aircraft capable of very high altitude flight are desirable for atmospheric research and for military reconnaissance. Vehicles envisioned to cruise at altitudes from 70,000 to 100,000 feet must be designed with state-of-the-art structures, propulsion and aerodynamics in order to carry any meaningful payload for a significant loiter period. Because of the low Reynolds number inherent in flying at such high altitudes, recent aircraft designs have taken advantage of natural laminar flow (NLF) airfoils to reduce skin friction drag. The extent of NLF is limited by the need to recover the pressure by the trailing edge. The advantages of NLF airfoils can be enhanced by including in the original design a miniature boundary layer mixing device (BLMD) system that allows airfoils to be designed with a much more aggressive pressure recovery profile. The advantage of such a design is an increase in the percentage of laminar flow, while at the same time increasing the design lift coefficient. This combined increase in lift to drag ratio (L/D) will increase the performance of high altitude vehicles and can help to reduce the vehicle size, and hence the cost, required to carry a fixed weight payload.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Laminar flow airfoils are in use for a variety of aircraft including high altitude long endurance unmanned air vehicles (UAV's), general aviation aircraft, business jets, and some commercial aircraft. The ability to enhance airfoil performance would be of great value to aircraft manufacturers that use laminar flow airfoils. This technology may also be applied to propeller airfoils. It is possible that with the use of Boundary Layer Mixing Devices, new applications for laminar flow airfoils will become available where it was once not practical because of boundary layer separation concerns.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Brian Kramer
Eidetics Corporation
3425 Lomita Blvd.
Torrance , CA 90505
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Eidetics Corporation
3425 Lomita Blvd.
Torrance , CA 90505
PROJECT TITLE: UV Dual-band Photodiode Sensors for Dynamic Combustion Control
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This Phase I SBIR proposal addresses the NASA need for minimally invasive aircraft sensors which are simple in implementation and yet insightful as diagnostic tools. The project is aimed at the development of a robust optical sensor for real-time monitoring of aircraft engine combustion dynamics. The sensor consists of two photodiode elements designed to respond in different wavelength bands corresponding to the emission from various electronically excited radical species generated in the combustion process. One photodiode element of the sensor monitors UV emission which originates from the oxygen containing species hydroxyl radical, OH, and carbon monoxide, CO. The other element is sensitive to emission which comes primarily from hydrocarbon radicals such as C2 and CH. The intensity ratio from the two photodiode elements provides data on the dynamics of the combustion process such as the air-to-fuel mix ratio. The photodiode sensors are made from group-III nitride materials. Photodiodes made from these materials are highly responsive to the ultraviolet emissions in combustion flames, but are insensitive to the background visible and infrared radiation from hot engine components. The group-III nitrides are also extremely inert and robust, which make them ideal for high temperature, harsh environment applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
In addition to its application in jet aircraft combustion diagnostics, the technology developed during this program could also be applied to ground based turbine engines such as those in electrical power generation, or to marine turbine engines on ships. This technology could be valuable in other sectors as well. An example is in UV flame sensing in bright solar background. The military has interest in detection of missiles or artillery fire by observing the UV emission in the flames associated with these weapons. The important criteria in this case is to discriminate the UV emission from the weapons against the solar background. The CO and OH sensing photodiode would be valuable in this regard. Also, there is need for robust UV irradiance meters for use in the semiconductor and UV curing industries. The group-III nitride materials developed under this program will be far superior to existing silicon-based devices and will find numerous applications in these fields.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jody J. Klaassen
SVT Associates, Inc.
7620 Executive Drive
Eden Prairie , MN 55344
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
SVT Associates, Inc.
7620 Executive Dr.
Eden Prairie , MN 55344
PROJECT TITLE: High-Temperature Optical Fiber Skin Friction Sensors for Aeropropulsion Flight Tests
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Sensors that can withstand extremely high-temperature environments are required for 1) monitoring the performance of combustion engines, including aeropropulsion and power generation turbine systems, 2) process monitoring of new high-temperature, high-performance materials, such as metal- and ceramics-matrix composites and 3) evaluation of advanced aerospace structural materials at high temperatures. Currently, no reliable electrical or optical fiber-based sensor instrumentation is commercially available which can survive the high-temperature environment and provide continuous calibrated measurements. Optical fiber sensor technology is ideal for these applications due to the extremely high operating temperature of silica-based optical fiber waveguides (1650°F/900°C) and even higher operating temperature of sapphire-based optical waveguides (3600°F/2000°C). F&S, Inc. is developing optical fiber physical sensors for measurement of strain, temperature, pressure, acceleration, and skin which, in addition to their high-temperature capability, possess a number of practical advantages over traditional electrical-based instrumentation. F&S has been a world leader in the development of optical fiber sensor instrumentation for relatively low-temperature strain sensor instrumentation and proposes to add to their product line new sensors and systems that will withstand the rigorous demands of the high-temperature aeropropulsion environment.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
In addition to addressing NASA's requirements for monitoring the high-temperature aeropropulsion environment, the proposed optical fiber sensors will compete within the multibillion dollar market for high-temperature sensor instrumentation for monitoring turbomachinery, power generation systems, advanced materials during high-temperature testing, and high temperature industrial process monitoring.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Wade Pulliam
F&S, Inc.
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg , VA 24060
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
F&S, Inc.
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg , VA 24060
PROJECT TITLE: Real Time Shock Location Sensor
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A real-time shock location sensor (SLS) with high dynamic response characteristics will be developed for high-speed flight applications. The innovation will use an array of surface hot-film sensors operated by Tao Systems' large bandwidth, high sensitivity constant voltage anemometer and associated instrumentation. Unique shock detection hardware based on a recently discovered relationship between the presence of shock and its surface signatures will be designed and fabricated. The Phase I effort will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed innovation for on-line detection. A prototype system will be built and tested in Phase II to establish the proof-of-concept in a real flight environment. The detection of shock and an understanding of shock-boundary-layer interactions is of primary importance to the safety and efficient performance of high-speed vehicles.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The SLS can be used in active air inlet control, active buffet control, and wave-drag reduction systems of high-speed flight vehicles to monitor and control shock. SLS will also find applications in CFD validation of high-speed vehicles, performance testing and design of hypersonic flight vehicles, high-speed propellers, and turbo-machines.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Garimella R. Sarma
Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.
471 McLaws Circle, Suite 1
Williamsburg , VA 23185
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.
471 McLaws Circle, Suite 1
Williamsburg , VA 23185
PROJECT TITLE: A New Class of High-Temperature Strain Measurement Waveguide Sensors
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A new optical fiber sensor technology for high-temperature strain measurement is proposed. This technology is based on a sensor consisting of Bragg gratings etched into silica channel waveguides. The transduction mechanism for this sensor follows the concept of in-fiber Bragg grating sensors, but with two-fold enhancement in thermal stability and operating temperature range. Using this technology, sensors capable of operating up to 1100°C and 2300°C can be produced when fabricated in silica and sapphire, respectively. The fabrication procedures for Bragg gratings are controllable, and show promise for cost effective mass production. The production technology of microelectronics industry is directly adaptable for fabricating the proposed sensors. During the Phase I feasibility study we will: 1) devise a high temperature sensor fabrication process, 2) develop high-temperature optical fiber to channel waveguide interconnect technology, 3) fabricate proof-of-concept high-temperature sensors in amorphous silica, 4) establish sensor bonding procedures, and 5) demonstrate high-temperature strain measurement capability at temperatures up to 1100°C. The Phase II effort will concentrate on resolving several challenging issues inherent to high temperature sensors and in building a prototype system. In phase III we will commercialize this sensor technology.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The broadest anticipated market for the proposed innovation is in the development of advanced aeropropulsion systems such as the X-33, X-34, RLV, NASP, and other hypervelocity vehicles where high temperature strain measurement in composite materials is critical for health monitoring and feedback control are critical. This technology will also benefit the study of constitutive properties of new high-temperature composite materials.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Venki S. Venkat
Analytical Services & Materials, Inc.
107 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666-1340
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Analytical Services & Materials, Inc.
107 Research Drive
Hampton , VA 23666-1340
PROJECT TITLE: Implicit Unstructured Adaptive Mesh ALE Navier-Stokes Solver for Hypersonic Vehicle Simulation
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
ResearchSouth, Inc. proposes to develop computational fluid dynamics computer software for analysis / design of advanced airbreathing hypersonic vehicles. The problems addressed are: viscous high speed air flow over the exterior vehicle, viscous interactions during stage separation, combustion in the propulsion system, and mixing between the exhaust nozzle flow and the freestream. We will develop a general-purpose fluid flow analysis tool which gives the user the choice of inviscid Euler flow, viscous Navier-Stokes flow for laminar conditions, and turbulent flow with algebraic and k-e models. All of this capability will be operational for perfect-gases or equilibrium-air on unstructured, adaptive tetrahedral meshes with the Arbitrary-Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation for unsteady moving-body dynamics. The Phase I program will start with the SAMcfd code, an already proven technology, and proceed to develop an implicit Navier-Stokes solver for unstructured meshes, develop a set of preconditioners (initializers) for the GMRES technique to solve the non-linear equations, improve our existing Navier-Stokes meshing technique, add an equilibrium-air thermodynamics capability, perform a set of demonstration calculations for viscous flow over hypersonic vehicles, and document the project. This software will provide NASA with a powerful software tool to perform very efficient and rapid design assessment of evolving airbreathing hypersonic vehicle concepts.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The following are among the many commercial applications for the reacting Navier-Stokes software: (1) pollution dispersion from stacks of industrial processing plants; (2) modeling of viscous mixing processes for chemical manufacturing companies;(3) computation of exhaust flow from automobile and bus exhaust systems; (4) design of more efficient internal combustion engines; (5) fuel economy studies for commercial airplanes; (6) analysis of waste disposal systems; (7) design of air conditioning systems for large buildings; (8) air quality modeling for large-city streets
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Lawrence W. Spradley
ResearchSouth, Inc.
555 Sparkman Dr. Suite 1612
Huntsville , AL 35816
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
ResearchSouth, Inc.
555 Sparkman Dr. Suite 1612
Huntsville , AL 35816
PROJECT TITLE: Ceramic Composites for Combined Cycle Propulsion Designs
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Successful development of combined cycle propulsion systems will help us obtain the economic and technical potential of airbreathing hypersonic vehicles operating in low earth orbit or at speeds higher than Mach 8. Due to their mechanical strength, light weight, and high temperature properties, continuous fiber ceramic matrix composites (CFCCs) compose a class of materials that will enable integration of propulsion elements into combined cycledesigns. Refractory Composites, Inc. (RCI) has recently developed processing technologies to fabricate CFCCs of the size and complex geometries required of such components. In this proposed SBIR program, RCI will work to demonstrate and define the applicability of CFCCcomponents in combined cycle propulsion systems. Specifically, in Phase I we will fabricate larger sized panels (6"x 15" and 6" x 30") which will be exposed to Mach 7 to 8 scram-jet combustor operating conditions. The testing, analysis and related design tasks will be provided by RCI's team members at no cost to the SBIR program. In addition RCI will fabricate a complex shaped CFCC component and which can be used to demonstrate that its structural strength is sufficient for hypersonic applications and fabrication of highly integrated CFCC flow path structures is feasible.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This SBIR effort will intimately entwined with ongoing vehicle engine development programs. On a broader scale, much of the work completed during the SBIR program would have direct application to many other hypersonic air-breathing product areas in terms of CFCC property data, design methodologies and manufacturability. Applications include TPSand leading edges for RLVs and reentry vehicles.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Frederick S. Lauten, PhD
Refractory Composites, Inc.
107 North Langley Road
Glen Burnie , MD 21060
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Refractory Composites, Inc.
107 N. Langley Rd.
Glen Burnie , MD 21060
PROJECT TITLE: A Combined Cycle Pulse Detonation/ Ramjet Engine
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal is written in response to NASA solicitation subtopic 07.04 which specifically seeks ?advanced technologies for integrated propulsion systems such as pulse detonation-techniques for the low speed portion of operation of integrated air-breathing propulsion systems for hypersonic vehicles.? The Pulse Detonation Engine (PDE) is geometrically most simply described as a series of valved tubes. With valves open, a detonable fuel/air mixture is brought into each tube and is detonated with the valves shut to force the combustion product gases to escape through the aft end of the tube, providing thrust. The low-cost, lightweight characteristics of this engine led APRI to the development of a PDE for subsonic propulsion applications. However, a principal characteristic of the PDE geometry is that its similarity to the ramjet makes it an ideal candidate as the low speed cycle of a hypersonic airbreathing propulsion system. Thus, APRI proposes to develop a dual-mode PDE/ramjet which uses the same air flow path for both modes of operation. As a first step, the objective of the proposed Phase I effort is to develop viable flow path configurations for a combined-cycle PDE/Ramjet and to assess the engine thermal design and cooling requirements.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The technology described in this proposal will be applied to the development of combined-cycle cruise missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles. Extension to combined-cycle PDE/ramjet/scramjet engines is also anticipated.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. James D. Sterling
Advanced Projects Research, Incorporated
1925 McKinley Avenue, Suite B
La Verne , CA 91750
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Advanced Projects Research, Incorporated
1925 McKinley Avenue, Suite B
La Verne , CA 91750
PROJECT TITLE: Vortex Combustion Ramjet (VCRJ)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
ORBITEC proposes an advanced vortex combustion ramjet (VCRJ) featuring an innovative, vortex-flow, wall surface burning combustor, having improved combustion efficiency with cleaner burning and an extended operating range. Full-wall, liquid-fuel injection is expected to permit wide throttling without flame holders because the combustion is anchored at the wall as in a hybrid rocket engine. ORBITEC has been developing a similar device as a hybrid rocket engine with solid fuel walls. The unique co-axial vortex promotes combustion, with an extended flow path and thorough mixing. Benefits include: simplicity, low cost, and improved combustion to provide enhanced performance, with extended range and flight ceiling for the vehicle. In Phase I, a small prototype ramjet will be designed, built and tested. In Phase II, a larger engine will be flown in an RPV. NASA applications may include a research RPV, providing design and operational data for SST propulsion. Early commercial applications include RPV?s to be used in forest fire surveillance, traffic and accident viewing, search and rescue and weather observations, government use may include RPV?s for border surveillance, cruise weapon systems, target drones, and forward observation aircraft. These uses also support continued development of the engine cycle for SST applications, including fractional orbit vehicles.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Future commercial applications for this technology include RPV?s and SST propulsion. Near-term use includes small aerial vehicles that are best powered by ramjets, such as RPV?s for observation and communication uses, and possibly as reusable replacements for weather balloons and in some cases, sounding rockets. Military uses are more common where the ramjet simplicity, low weight, high speed, and small frontal area are advantageous. Aerial target drones, cruise weapon systems, and forward observation craft are typical. In the military applications, the fuel efficiency can be offset by mission profile and battle strategy approaches. These applications generate data bases for SST propulsion. In addition the general technology of this new vortex combustor potentially has substantial industrial significance. Cyclone burners have been used for many years to take advantage of vortex-driven combustion. The new vortex flow proposed to be developed in this project extends the technology and the benefits because of the nature of the flow unique to the ORBITEC vortex flow concept. Many classes of air-fired combustors can use this new flow field for improved combustion efficiency and environmental benefits.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
William H. Knuth
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
PROJECT TITLE: A Millisecond Response Force Balance for Hypersonic Aero-propulsion Testing
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
If the development of a vehicle capable of sustained hypersonic flight in the atmosphere at speeds above Mach 8 is to be realized, a ground-based wind tunnel with a reliable force measurement system is a necessity. However, above Mach 8, due to thermal survivability of wind-tunnel nozzle throat materials, only impulse tunnels having test times no more than several milliseconds in duration will be available for the foreseeable future. To accomplish aerodynamic force measurement in such a short time period, a non-conventional approach for the force balance design is required. Our approach is based on the interpretation of stress waves traversing the model and a suitably designed sting as has been previously demonstrated for drag-thrust measurement in shock tunnels, and recently for three-component force measurement at GASL. This stress-wave force balance appears to offer a route to a fully-metric mounting system for impulse-tunnel test articles. This proposal endeavors to build a universal force measurement system that will accept different aero-propulsion test articles, and deliver drag, lift and pitching moment measurement within the available test time of a conventional reflected shock tunnel.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Hypersonic propulsion test facilities will need increased capability to meet the growing demands of new weapons and access to space programs. The present lack of adequately instrumented wind tunnels capable of testing above Mach 8 strongly influences the vision of propulsion and space craft system designers, tending toward limiting atmospheric operation below this speed. The development of a force measurement capability for Mach 8+ wind tunnels will open the design space spawning a new era of hypersonic systems and consequently test opportunities for the NASA-HYPULSE Facility located at and operated by GASL. Further opportunities exist in the instrument resale market. Recently, GASL has been very successful designing and building instrumentation suites for other test facilities both in the US and abroad. The proposed force measurement system will be seen as extremely important by other impulse tunnel operators and sales of such units will follow.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Robert J. Bakos
GASL, Inc.
77 Raynor Avenue
Ronkonkoma , NY 11779-6648
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
GASL, Inc.
77 Raynor Avenue
Ronkonkoma , NY 11779-6648
PROJECT TITLE: An Integrated Multi-Sensor for In Situ and Real Time Biological Monitoring
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Physical Optics Corporation's (POC) Applied Technology Division proposes a novel approach for studying and understanding the influence of gravity and the space environment on biological materials such as cells and particles. POC's proposed Fiber Optic-Based Integration System (FOBIS) will be capable of in situ, real-time biological monitoring, and is based on a single fiber optic system. A compact, multi functional device, the FOBIS incorporates three working units (a Micro-Flow Cytometer, a Micro-Photometer, and a Micro-Sensor) into a compact, spaceworthy package that offers the following features: (1) combined flow cytometer, microphotometer, and biosensor system, with small, low cost, rugged packaging, and field applicability; (2) optical fiber optic profiler, and a laser tweezers technique for noninvasive in situ measurements, in real time, with minimal distortion to particle structure and optical properties; (3) relatively high throughput by both flow cytometric and optical trapping/microphotometric sampling modes, required for sampling rapidly changing physical and biological regimes such as those that will occur under varying gravity conditions; (4) force measurement technique, applicable to high sensitivity biosensing without the need for extra components; (5) new, innovative method extending the row and partial gravity effects to aquatic environmental studies.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed FOBIS can be used for a variety of applications, such as bacteria monitoring in food plants, water resources, hospitals, and public areas; cancer diagnosis; quality control for biological processing; laboratory research in the biomedical and cell biological fields, biophysics, and biochemistry; individual cell studies, DNA sequencing, and cell culturing.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Zhanxiang Zhang
Physical Optics Corporation, Applied Technology Division
2545 W. 237th Street, Suite B
Torrance , CA 90505-5228
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Physical Optics Corporation, EP Division
20600 Gramercy Place, Building 100
Torrance , CA 90501-1821
PROJECT TITLE: Iridium Oxide Biosensor Arrays for Multianalyte Bioprocess Monitoring
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA will require highly automated and low power monitoring and control to support long-term bioprocessing in the space environment The proposed innovation entails microfabricated sensors based on hydrous Ir oxide anodically formed on Ir thin film microelectrodes. These films can be used both as high surface area amperometric electrodes and as pH electrodes. We have shown further that these oxides can be grown to encapsulate and protect a range of enzymes and probably other large biomolecules (antibodies, DNA strands, co-factors, etc.). Using this approach, amperometric and potentiometric biosensors can be prepared simply and economically on microfabricated thin film Ir arrays. Multifunctional electrochemical biosensors can be made "on a chip" for monitoring O2, CO2, H2O2 and a wide range of enzyme substrates, including glucose, lactate, urea and amino acids. The goal of Phase I is to demonstrate a long-lived microfabricated Ir oxide electrochemical sensor/biosensor array for monitoring a group of analytes typical to cell culture production in a typical culture medium. Phase II will integrate this array into a micro-total analytical system for noninvasive monitoring and control of a HARV or STLV bioreactor, and/or a NASA in-house system.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Besides their use in space-based bioreactor systems, they are expected to impact the multibillion dollar bioprocessing industry for monitoring cell cultures, pharmaceutical production and fermentations.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
R. David Rauh
EIC Laboratories, Inc.
111 Downey Street
Norwood , MA 02062-2612
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
EIC Laboratories, Inc.
111 Downey Street
Norwood , MA 02062-2612
PROJECT TITLE: Miniaturized Array Sensor for Physiological and Metabolic Monitoring
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Facile and accurate measurements of the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, electrolyte, and temperature are essential for the better understanding of many physiological, biological, photosynthetic, and metabolic process as well as the evolution of life in our solar system. Currently available analytic technologies for analyzing these chemical species require frequent calibration and maintenance and are fargile, bulky, slow and not real-time. Therefore, they are ill-suited for space exploration. Amsen Technologies proposes a miniaturized and lower-power array sensor based on a novel molecular sensing concept that has the potential to provide rapid and real-time detection of aforementioned critical biological and physiological participants and process variables. We shall establish the proof-of-concept by fabricating sensor prototype during Phase I and conduct extensive optimization and field testing of the engineering prototypes in PhaseII. Commercialization of the sensor technology will be done in Phase III.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed innovation can provide NASA with low-power, miniaturized, real-time, highly selective, and sensitive sensors to detect a wide range of molecular species including oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, pH, and temperature. Other NASA applications include human habitat monitoring and extraterrestrial environmental monitoring. Spin-off applications include oceanographic monitoring, health care, and medical diagnostics.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ayyasamy Aruchamy
AMSEN TECHNOLOGIES
1181 N. El Dorado Place, Suite 319
Tucson , AZ 85715
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
AMSEN TECHNOLOGIES
1181 N. El Dorado Place, Suite 319
Tucson , AZ 85715
PROJECT TITLE: Avian Hatchling Habitat for Bioregenerative, Physiological, & Behavorial Studies
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Advanced technology is needed to help better understand problems associated with sustaining humans in space. Animal life science research in space provides valuable insight into musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and vestibular problems experienced by humans during space flight. The Avian Hatchling Habitat is an innovative, automated system for supporting investigations of biological responses of animals in space. The Habitat provides innovations for accommodating, observing, measuring, and manipulating adult quail or newborn chicks in microgravity. It builds on SHOT's prior flight hardware research, including the Avian Development Facility, which is being developed for the Space Station Biological Research Project. Phase I objectives are to confirm the technical feasibility and commercial viability of the Habitat, and complete designs of the modular cage, feed/water, and waste management systems. The Phase I effort will culminate in a detailed report, which will include research analysis, trade studies, and design details. The report will provide a final assessment of the suitability of the Habitat in meeting both NASA and commercial needs. Continuing Phase II support will allow development and evaluation of a high-fidelity Avian Hatchling Habitat prototype. Eventually, flight versions will offer enhancement of science return and reduction in cost of biological research on ISS.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
An anaerobic digester developed for the waste management system of the Avian Hatchling Habitat incorporates a cost efficient technology, which eliminates a major source of polution and odor associated with the poultry industry. Furthermore, the digester converts poultry manure into a high grade of purely organic fertilizer. The development of this system will result in two commercial by-products with vast consumer market potential: anaerobic digester units that can be marketed to poultry producers, and a purely organic fertilizer, which the poultry producers can sell on the open market.Technology evolving from the Avian Hatchling Habitat will catalyze commercial space development by helping resolve problems associated with human space flight. Additionally, since the Habitat allows the life cycle to be completed (egg to egg), the avian holds great promise as a bioregenerative food source for long term flights, and eventually, space colonization on the Moon, Mars, and other planetary bodies. In turn, basic biological research with the Habitat could lead to new developments in the diagnosis and treatment of various musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, neurological, and vestibular abnormalities in humans.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Heidi Platt
Space Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc.
5605 Featherengill Road
Floyd Knobs , IN 47119
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Space Hardware Optimization Technology
5605 Featherengill Road
Floyd Knobs , IN 47119
PROJECT TITLE: A Non-contact Mapper to Characterize Gravitational Effects on Biotechnology and Materials Science
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Morgan Research Corporation proposes to develop a unique non-contact method of mapping the uniformity of carrier concentrations and absorption in binary and tertiary semiconducting compounds of zinc in the temperature range of 300K-77K (Phase I) and 300K-10K (Phase II) that uses the Faraday rotation effect. This technique will quantify the effects of microgravity on critical electronic properties of important IR detector materials. The proposed method has significant advantages over conventional contact methods when characterizing electronic uniformity in materials grown in a microgravity environment and on earth. The proposed method greatly reduces the chance of contaminating the material to be characterized since electrical contacts do not have to be alloyed to the material as is now done with conventional contact methods. Since variations in carrier concentration within a sample can be determined with this technique, two-dimensional mapping is possible, which is another significant advantage this method has over conventional methods such as the Hall technique.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed technology will significantly lower IR detector/FPA array cost and increase yield from an estimated 2-5% to ~90%, by utilizing its unique capability to screen out unacceptable material at the start of the device manufacturing process instead of at the end as must now be done. This technology applies to manufacturing devices for such applications as satellite and missile systems. Specific examples of IR systems include vision enhancement for aircraft takeoffs and landings, air-to-ground wake vortex detection on aircraft, automatic braking devices, and object detection. Process control applications include temperature measurement, moisture measurement, and nondestructive evaluation. Orbiting satellites use IR systems for monitoring the earth's environment.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
George Tanton
Morgan Research Corporation
2707 Artie Street, Suite 17
Hunstville , AL 35805-4769
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Morgan Research Corporation
2707 Artie Street, Suite 17
Huntsville , AL 35805-4769
PROJECT TITLE: A UNIQUE SAMPLE QUENCH METHODOLOGY FOR MICROGRAVITY FURNACES
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA's Microgravity Materials Science research programs require rapid cooling of samples to enhance microstructural analysis. A sample quench rate of up to 100°C/sec is desired which is shown to be unattainable using traditional quench system and Sample Ampoule Cartridge Assembly (SACA) designs. To specifically address this requirement, our innovation is a "Quench In Cartridge" (QIC) system design for SACAs, in which the quench media is delivered internal to the metallic containment cartridge. This innovative design reduces the furnace design complexity and allows it to be kept independent of SACA design while achieving significantly higher quench rates and possibly enhancing axial gradient in the sample. A novel attribute to this in-situ approach is that the desired quench can be achieved with no or minimal impact to the furnace module design and with only minor added requirements to the subsystem design, resulting in significant cost reductions. Additionally, QIC design will meet all requirements for steady state and quench processing applicable to both low and high temperature SACAs. None of the existing and planned quench system designs/methodologies incorporated in either terrestrial or microgravity furnaces offer the simplicity and overwhelming advantages provided by the innovative QIC technique.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Quenching of materials is a process used extensively in the metals heat treating industry for control of microstructure and resultant mechanical properties. Theoretically, this research could yield results that would contribute to process improvements and resultant cost savings within this industry. However, we feel that the primary commercial benefits of this research are in the area of space commercialization. To this end it can result in better science, but at a lower cost than more traditional quench systems. An immediate benefit to NASA is that it has direct application to NASA's planned microgravity research and planned hardware development efforts for the International Space Station, while also providing significant cost savings in terms of both reduction of payload costs and reduction of overall payload interface complexity.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael R. Fiske
System Studies & Simulation, Inc
4717 University Dr, Suite 100
HUntsville , AL 35816
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
System Studies & Simulation, Inc
4717 University Dr, Suite 100
Huntsville , AL 35816
PROJECT TITLE: Cost-Effective Integrated Miniature Furnace Body and Sample Contaminant Fabrication Method
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Using a proprietary graded porous net shape sapphire fabrication process, Foster-Miller will prove the feasibility of producing a compact furnace with an integrated sample containment system to allow fast, inexpensive microgravity experiments. A working demonstration furnace with a thermal shock resistant structure, built-in heating elements and suitable electrical connections will be fabricated and tested in Phase I. In comparison to the current state of the art furnace that requires 4000 watts of input power, the Phase I furnace will require only 60 watts to reach temperatures up to 2000K. It will have sufficient thermal shock resistance capability to reach 2000K in less than 30 seconds and will be reusable. Our innovative processing approach also eliminates temperature limiting braze joints, and flammability risk at operating temperature. In the Phase I program, Foster-Miller will build a working prototype, and characterize the furnace for temperature, thermal cycling and thermal shock capability. Foster-Miller has assembled a team consisting of an, end-user and suppliers. The Phase I program is targeted to a specific NASA furnace application. This furnace technology can also be of direct use for the microgravity processing programs at NASA MSFC and LeRC. The Phase I proposal also presents a team, strategy and commitments to develop a pervasive commercial application based on this technology. The follow-on Phase II program will refine Phase I technology, demonstrate repeatability, consistency and reliability, and conduct cost/benefits and producibility analyses.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The porous sapphire technology provides a refractory, thermal shock resistant and lightweight structural and electrically insulative material. Commercial applications for this technology exist in efficient lighting products for industrial/residential applications, ignitors for gas/oil fired industrial/residential furnaces and appliances, and functionally gradient tab materials used for joining of dissimilar refractory materials. Foster-Miller has assembled a Phase I team to develop superior lighting products using this technology.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ronald G. Roy
Foster-Miller, Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham , MA 02154
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Foster-Miller, Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham , MA 02154
PROJECT TITLE: Understanding and Utilizing Gravitational Effects on Biotechnology and Materials Science
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Interferometry is widely employeed for various nonintrusive/noncontact gross-field measurements. It has excellent potential for diverse applications to space experiments including crystal growth, material processing, heat and mass transfer, and fluid flow. However, the problem of expeditiously extracting accurate phase information from noise-ridden or complex data needs to be resolved. We propose a unique method for resolving this problem for all types of numeric interferometric processing algorithms, including fringe tracking, regression, Fourier transforms, and phase stepping techniques. These algorithms, in principle, provide or need isophase lines, thus allowing the proposed unified approach of effective noise reduction and automation based on the use of various knowledge from interferometry experts or from statistical extraction. This hybrid method requires development of low-level probabilistic noise reduction based on directional information of fringes, and high-level knowledge-based processing that follows expert-like judgement for further error/noise reduction through global structure examination. The proposed innovative hybrid software can be effectively employeed even for data with severe noise levels. The project would thus lead to the development of a robust user-friendly system useful for many applications in space experiments for both fluids and solids (i.e., protein and solution crystal growth, growth interface studies, fluid flow, etc.) as well as in commercial nondestructive testing.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Various organizations can find useful applications of the developed system. These include private companies, universities, and national laboratories. Interferometry is a valuable means for testing; however, lack of an efficient user-friendly system has been a hindrance for its wide application beyond testing in optical industries where acquisition of good quality fringes is possible.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick
Rice Systems, Inc.
1150 main Street, Suite C
Irvine , CA 92614
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Rice Systems, Inc.
1150 Main St. Suite C
Irvine , CA 92614
PROJECT TITLE: Low Mass, Low Power, Low Cost Space Furnace
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
It is proposed to design and build a low mass, low power, low cost, high temperature furnace for use in space. Vacuum and radiation insulation provide a means to almost eliminate heat losses from the furnace, allowing high temperatures to be achieved using low power. A cylindrical configuration provides strength, access, simplicity, and low mass. Vacuum pumping requirements are minimized by using the partial vacuum of space. Temperatures in excess of 1200oC can be achieved using less than 1 kW of power. Direct optical access will be included in the furnace design. The furnace has the potential to be a centerpiece for research and development of materials processing in space. Phase 1 will demonstrate design and operating principles; Phase 2 will develop and deliver a prototype to NASA.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This program will lead to new capabilities for furnace processing and commercial development in earth orbit. Industrial applications are for low power furnaces.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Stephen C. Bates
Thoughtventions Unlimited
40 Nutmeg Lane
Glastonbury , CT 06033
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Thoughtventions Unlimited
40 Nutmeg Lane
Glastonbury , CT 06033
PROJECT TITLE: High Performance Heat Pipe
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Heat pipes, loop heat pipes, and capillary pumped loops are valued passive thermal transport devices for both terrestrial and space-based applications. Such two-phase systems exploit capillary forces which circulate the working fluid in the cycle. Thus, a balance between capillary driving pressure and viscous resistance serves as the primary limit to thermal performance. To circumvent this limitation, TDA Research, Inc. proposes development of a passive thermal cycle that generates driving pressure gradients 100-fold larger than current state-of-the-art capillary pressure gradients. For space applications, with such large increases in driving force, flow-through radiators with small passages may be employed, significantly decreasing the size and weight of the thermal control/rejection system. The passive thermal cycle proposed can exploit recent advances in radiator technology. Phase I research will focus on the characterization of the thermal cycle in terms of system geometry, properties, and specific application (ground- or space-based). Phase II development work will produce an optimized design for satellite heat rejection using flow-through radiators.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The passive thermal transport loop generates high driving pressures gradients: it does not suffer from capillary flow limitations, achieves the reliability of parallel-path systems, and can exploit lightweight radiator technology. Commercial applications will be in the thermal control of unmanned satellites (i.e., communication satellites) for the removal of heat from electronic components.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Mark Weislogel
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917
PROJECT TITLE: Small Payload Fluid Servicing System (SPAFSS)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
ORBITEC proposes to develop a Small Payload Fluid Servicing System (SPAFSS) to service fluid loops in a microgravity environment for filtering, gas entraiment, and other potential chemical processing that utilize a porous media. The innovation of this unit is the development of a miniature, membrane based, gas/liquid separator and its integration into a small, low powered unit capable of automated priming while on orbit with minimal crew intervention. Current gas/liquid separators are large, require substantial power and mass, and are designed to draw both free gas as well as dissolved gas out of the water. The miniaturized gas/liquid separator within SPAFSS meets the specific needs of biological research units and other small experiments on Space Station enabling significantly higher fluid system reliability necessary for most of these experiments. This allows the new separator to be much smaller, lighter weight, and use less power. The Phase I will result in a testbed to evaluate system components and provide input for the development of a flight system. The Phase II unit could be incorporated with existing systems as part of a technology demonstration flight in microgravity.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Successful development of the small payload fluid servicing system (SPAFSS) would provide NASA with a standard piece of support equipment to prepare, degas, and filter water for extended durations microgravity science experiments. Some commercial applications for a SPAFSS would be in controlled capillary irrigation (CCI) of plant growth systems, and porous-interface building and residential humidity control systems. A small payload fluid servicing system is essential to developing commercial porous-interface irrigation and humidity control systems. Potential marketable uses of controlled capillary irrigation systems include providing control of root environments in small and large plantings ranging from individual pots to large plantscapes for offices and office complexes, airports, hotels, restaurants, homes, and urban roof-top agriculture systems. CCI can also be applied to root zone environment control for plant stress, mineral nutrition, and plant pathology research. Porous-interface humidity control systems have great potential for use in residential and office buildings since they can humidify and dehumidify with the same equipment, can provide precise set-point control, and have no free water which can be contaminated or spilled.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jeffrey T. Iverson
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
PROJECT TITLE: Mars Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Freezer
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The Mars Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Freezer (MACDOF) is a low cost and low power refrigerating device that will condense carbon dioxide directly from the Martian atmosphere. This device can be used to provide the carbon dioxide feed required by many ISPP processes. The freezer operates in batch fashion, solidifying the CO2 for a specified period of time before closing isolation valves to allow the generation of high-pressure carbon dioxide feed by rewarming the heat exchanger. During the freezing operation, the MACDOF provides separation of the CO2 from other atmospheric constituents such as nitrogen and argon, allowing collection of a stream of these components in the freezer effluent. The MACDOF uses a closed circuit single component refrigerant circuit to achieve high power efficiencies. To achieve the required temperature span with a single refrigerant, a Martian nighttime temperature frozen propanol heat sink is used to reject the waste heat from the refrigerant cycle. The MACDOF is lighter than the sorption pumps and requires less power than compressors. The MACDOF can also enable high-pressure ISPP systems that produce low-hydrogen fuels. The oxygen produced by such high-pressure ISPP systems can be liquefied at 140 K by the MACDOF for very little power.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The MACDOF is a refrigerator designed to cool materials down to 140 K. As such, it could work just as well on Earth as on Mars and have widespread use in industry, food processing and medicine, as well as research in physics, chemistry, biology, and numerous other fields. Currently, off-the-shelf refrigerators are available to cool to dry-ice temperatures (210 K) or liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K). However between these extremes, no small, low cost refrigeration systems are available. A 140 K refrigerator would find a place right at the mid-point of this large temperature gap. It would thus be assured of numerous customers who need temperatures substantially lower than dry-ice but well above those of liquid nitrogen, and who do not wish to incur the large costs (>$10,000) required to buy small liquid nitrogen class refrigerators.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Robert M. Zubrin
Pioneer Astronautics
445 Union Blvd., Suite 125
Lakewood , CO 80228
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Pioneer Astronautics
445 Union Blvd., Suite 125
Lakewood , CO 80228
PROJECT TITLE: Microchannel Processor for Extracting Water from Planetary Dust Particles
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed microchannel processor would extract water and/or other volatile compounds from fine-grained dust and regolith deposits found on the surfaces of Mars, the Moon, and asteroids. The core technology is an array of microchannel processors, each of which can process a small amount of dust by briefly heating it to the appropriate temperature, extracting its volatile constituents, recovering the excess heat, and ejecting the spent dust. Such a processor array is expected to have many beneficial characteristics including low mass per quantity of particulates processed and high thermal efficiency when compared to macroprocessing approaches. A complete system would include excavation of the particulate material on the planet surface, mechanical and/or electrostatic separation to remove coarse particles from the material stream, and a means of distribution of particulates to the processor array. An interfaced system would collect and condition the water or volatiles that are released in the reactor. The proposed research would establish the feasibility of using a microchannel processor for particulate materials and produce a system design concept that would allow issues associated with system integration to be addressed. Successful development could provide effective access to water on both the Moon and Mars.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Preliminary analysis of the performance of this apparatus suggests that this will be competitive for Government and commercial applications including propellant and life support consumable operations on the Moon, Mars, or carbonaceous asteroids. The anticipated systems would be small enough to be deployed by robotic spacecraft. Development of the capability to process particulates in microchannel reactors can find industrial use in applications that involve the reaction of gases with particulates, such as in fluidized bed reactors.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Eric E. Rice
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
PROJECT TITLE: Lunar Ice Simulator
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
ORBITEC proposes the development of a Lunar Ice Simulator (LIS). The objective of the research is to create a system that can simulate the physical structure of the lunar ice/dust mixtures to test and demonstrate mechanisms for the mining and processing of lunar ice deposits. The fundamental purpose is to have a simulator available for supporting experiments as ice was discovered by the Lunar Prospector mission. The simulator would be used to perform scientific experiments to help determine the characteristics of the lunar ice deposits. This includes measuring fundamental properties such as the form of the ice deposited by sublimation at cryogenic temperatures. ORBITEC proposes to design a lunar ice simulator in Phase 1 that would be built and tested in Phase II. The simulator would be utilized to support studies of ice extraction from the lunar regolith in permanently-shadowed areas. The preliminary requirements for future simulator systems large enough to accommodate full-scale testing of a lunar robotic lander or ice recovery systems would also be determined.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The Moon is an attractive source of resources for the development of near-Earth space, because it is close to Earth, has a small gravity field and most of the chemical elements important in the development of space capabilities (e.g., oxygen, metals) can be readily found. The most significant problem of lunar development is the scarcity of fuel for spacecraft. Although oxygen is present in abundance in the minerals of the lunar regolith, no concentrated source of hydrogen was known with certainty to exist, prior to the recent Lunar Prospector mission. If rocket fuel must be imported to the Moon to launch payloads from the Moon, it is very difficult to devise a low-cost Moon-to-space transportation system. However, if both fuel and oxidizer can be obtained locally, a reusable transportation system that can reach Moon-orbit space at low cost may be feasible. This is the promise of lunar water. Water can easily be electrolyzed to produce hydrogen and oxygen, be liquefied and used as propellants. If developed as a supply of propellant, a myriad of other beneficial uses for lunar water could be developed, ranging from life support to construction materials.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Eric E. Rice
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
PROJECT TITLE: Production of Liquid Hydrocarbon Propellants on Mars
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes to develop a catalytic process for the in-situ generation of liquid hydrocarbon propellants from carbon dioxide and hydrogen on the surface of Mars. The Martian atmosphere is mostly composed of CO2 which can be converted into CO and reacted with hydrogen carried from Earth to produce liquid propellants for the return flight. Using liquid propellant significantly reduces the mass of the spacecraft and cargo which must be brought from Earth. Because the hydrogen to carbon ratio of liquid hydrocarbons is approximately 2, less hydrogen is required to make liquid propellants rather than methane. Additionally, liquid hydrocarbon propellants do not require cryogenic storage which also saves weight. These advantages make the in-situ generation of liquid hydrocarbon propellants an attractive alternative to replace or augment in-situ generated propellants such as methane and methanol.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
A significant portion of the worlds natural gas resources (equivalent to 800 billion barrels of oil) is either in off-shore or remote locations that are presently uneconomical to develop. The catalyst technology for the synthesis of middle distillate hydrocarbon propellants from synthesis gas (CO and H2) on Mars is directly applicable to the conversion of off-shore and remote natural gas. In the industrial application, natural gas is converted into synthesis gas which is then fed to the Fischer-Tropsch reactor which produces liquid hydrocarbons. This process makes it possible to develop natural gas resources where pipeline construction or liquefied natural gas are prohibitively expensive.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Steven C. Gebhard
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917
PROJECT TITLE: A novel sensor for spacecraft/habitat chemical contamination
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose development of a novel, microscale mass spectrometer system for continuous monitoring of air and, perhaps, recycled water in spacecraft/habitat environments. Upon completion of the Phase I and II programs we anticipate delivering a prototype sensor characterized by small size, low power consumption, long term unattended operation, sensitivity to a wide variety of potential contaminants, self-calibration, and intelligent data assessment. The entire instrument will fit within a soda can (including electronics) and will consume ~10 W of electrical power. Our approach combines two recent innovations: the invention of a microscale, low power, double-focusing mass spectrometer now being developed by Mass Sensors, and the invention of a novel ionization modulation technique by Southwest Sciences that permits direct, mass spectral analysis of mixtures without requiring chromatographic separation.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed analyzer represents a dramatic improvement in size and performance over existing mass-spectrometric detectors and, with a target selling price of under $2,000, will undercut current mass spectrometer costs by over an order of magnitude. Commercial applications include automotive emissions testing, air quality monitoring, industrial hygiene, environmental cleanup monitoring, and industrial process control for semiconductor fabrication and petrochemical production. Biomedical applications include blood gas monitoring and anesthesia delivery control.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
David S. Bomse
Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco Street; Suite E-11
Santa Fe , NM 87505-3993
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco St. Suite E-11
Santa Fe , NM 87505-3993
PROJECT TITLE: Miniature Electroanalytical Platform for Monitoring Metals and Organics Aboard Spacecraft
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Miniaturized, multi-analyte sensors need to be developed for in- flight monitoring of the life support habitat. In particular, analytical techniques that are gravity-independent, low power/mass, and are capable of broad-spectrum analysis are sought. This project seeks to develop an electroanalytical instrument platform based on stripping voltammetry integrated with simple, gravity-independent sampling methods for a number of key compounds. The proposed techniques will contain electronic self-calibration capabilities. Phase I will consist of development of an analytical platform for quantification of trace contaminants in water, and demonstration of the technology to determine concentration of several metals, including biocidal silver, at the bench level. Phase II will consist of development and delivery of low mass/power instrumentation that has multi- analyte capabilities for analysis of metals, non-metals, and certain classes of organic compounds at sub-ppb levels. This technology is ultimately expected to have the potential for analysis of 30-40 analytes in a total package less than 1 kg.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This technology has widespread commercial potential due to its low cost, versatility, and sensitivity. Applications include environmental monitoring, occupational exposure assessment, and manufacturing process control in pharmaceutical, metallurgy, mining, electronics, and a host of other industries.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Clifford D. Jolly
Environmental & Life Support Technology
12838 W. Adriatic Ave.
Lakewood , CO 80228
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Environmental & Life Support Technology
12838 W. Adriatic Ave.
Lakewood , CO 80228
PROJECT TITLE: Immobilized Antimicrobials for Enhanced Control of Bacterial Contamination
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Improved methods for control of microbial growth are required to support long duration manned missions. To further this aim, an investigation of the use of immobilized antibiotics and enzymes is proposed. Potential areas of application of these materials include: control of surface populations (particularly in food preparation and personal hygiene areas, i.e., shower, urinal and commode), prevention of microbial colonization and decomposition of materials of construction, prevention of biofilm formation, treatment of hydroponic solutions, potentiation of chemical drinking water disinfection, endotoxin removal from aqueous streams, enhanced microbial control for biological experimentation, and control of airborne human and plant pathogens. Preliminary experimentation has demonstrated destruction of gram positive and gram negative bacteria in aqueous flowing streams using immobilized antimicrobials. It is envisioned that the materials resulting from this effort will be suitable for deployment in packed beds for use in flowing air and water streams, and as surface coating materials for control of microbial populations on solids, and in air through passive contact. For the Phase I effort, packed beds of immobilized antimicrobials will be studied for the control of endotoxin and microorganisms in aqueous streams. The potentiation of chemical disinfection will also be investigated.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The materials for improved control of the growth of microorganisms which originate from this work can be applied in a broad variety of commercial applications, including: food processing and preparation, production of pharmaceuticals, water purification for semiconductor fabrication, and use for general household hygiene.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
James R. Akse, Ph.D.
Umpqua Research Company
P.O. Box 609
Myrtle Creek , OR 97457
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Umpqua Research Company
P.O. Box 609
Myrtle Creek , OR 97457
PROJECT TITLE: Genetic Identification of Significant Microorganism Directly from Air or Water
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The need to monitor and rapidly identify the microorganisms inhabiting a spacecraft's recycled water and atmosphere is of critical importance in assessing thresholds of unacceptable contamination levels. This assessment is significantly hindered by current microbiological methods requiring culture and isolation, or molecular methods requiring prior knowledge of the target organism. The significant innovation proposed here is a method to simultaneously and without bias amplify, separate, and identify of all the genetically different microbial species directly from a single complex sample of air or water. From a single analysis, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) can provide a comprehensive survey of all the bacteria, fungi or protozoa present and a breakdown by percentage of the relative abundance of each species. Modification of the DGGE procedure will allow quantitative determination of the total number of each organism within a sample. This technology is based on amplification of a 16S rDNA fragment from all phylogenetically related bacteria within a user defined group. The level of specificity can range from all species within a kingdom to one genetically unique species. The DGGE process has the potential to be incorporated onto a microchip for rapid, automated use aboard spacecraft or for wide industrial applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Excellent commercial potential exists for the proposed technology to identify significant microorganisms and determine their relative abundance from indoor air or water samples. The first market targeted will be industrial hygienists. Laboratory services will be provided to the large industrial hygiene market servicing sick buildings in industry, food vendors and hospitals. After the Phase II effort, the contractor will team with a chip manufacturer to produce small, hand held devices for the rapid identification of specific airborne or aqueous microorganisms. Microbial characterizations of indoor air currently rely on culturing and isolating microorganisms. It has been well documented that less then 5% of environmental organisms can be successfully cultured; therefore, a molecular approach is needed. The contractor is currently serving the industrial hygiene market using technology developed in a previous NASA Phase II contract. However, the contractor needs the ability to more specifically identify the organisms present in the air or water sample. This proposed development has the advantage of being able to quickly and accurately characterize microorganisms from a single sample.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Stephanie Leigh Whitaker
Microbial Insights, Inc.
2340 Stock Creek Blvd.
Rockford , TN 378533044
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Microbial Insights, Inc.
2340 Stock Creek Blvd.
Rockford , TN 37853-3044
PROJECT TITLE: Noninvasive Extravascular Bubble Detector and Sizing Instrument
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a noninvasive, in-vivo, extravascular bubble detector and sizing instrument. Bubbles in tissue are thought to be the precursors of DCS and that if the number of extravascular bubbles can be reduced by a certain operational regimen, the incidence of DCS can be reduced and other operational constraints relaxed. This is particularly important to NASA where astronauts are currently required to prebreathe on oxygen for four hours prior to entering the space suit environment. An improved understanding of DCS and how to safely minimize prebreathe time could greatly improve EVA efficiency. The proposed instrument development will build upon our past successful demonstration of a noninvasive, in-vivo intravascular bubble sizing instrument. The bubble size diameter of interest in the case of extravascular bubbles is 1 to 30 micron, and in the case of intravascular bubbles, 30 to 200 microns. This is a significant difference, and the design of the instrument will be optimized accordingly. In the Phase I project, we will optimize the instrument design, develop an in-vitro tissue phantom, and perform preliminary in-vitro testing. Phase II will focus on further optimization of the instrument and involve in-vivo testing on an animal model.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The significant commercial potential of this work is indicated by applications in the areas of monitoring of bubbles and emboli in DCS and embolism research and therapy. An improved understanding of DCS has significant cost, efficiency, and safety implications for NASA; recreational, commercial, and military diving; and military aviators. Creare plans to fully realize the commercial potential of this project through: (1) direct marketing of research bubble detection and sizing instruments to biomedical laboratories, (2) licensing of instrument designs for the clinical embolism and DCS monitoring market, and (3) licensing of proprietary instrument designs for clinical minimally invasive manometry markets.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Patrick J. Magari, Ph.D.
Creare Incorporated
PO Box 71
Hanover , NH 03755
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Creare Incorporated
P.O. Box 71, Etna Road
Hanover , NH 03755-0071
PROJECT TITLE: Portable battery operated laser diode system for minimally-invasive surgery
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Altair Center proposes to develop a portable battery operated laser diode system for minimally-invasive surgery and other applications during extended duration NASA missions. It will generate light at two different wavelengths of 980 and 810 nm performing simultaneous tissue cutting and blood coagulation. The system will operate in CW or pulsed regime with variable repetition frequency. Two versions of the system suitable for different applications will be developed: the system generating 10 W of average power delivered via a 50 micron fiber and the system generating 30W of power delivered via 100 micron fiber. Combination of a number of revolutionary new technologies incorporated in the system design provides its high performance and power efficiency. This includes power efficient laser diode operation, efficient laser-to-fiber pigtailing and laser beam combining. The portable laser diode system having a laptop computer size, build-in memory for recording information on medical procedures and convenient digital control interface is suitable for many other field applications. As a multi-use system it can also be applied for material processing, cutting and drilling, soldering, micro-welding and sintering.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The portable battery operated laser diode system which is to be developed during the project will have a universal and flexible design. It is an excellent candidate as a product in several markets, including: medical surgery, diagnostic and therapy, industrial cutting and welding, diode pump systems for parametric frequency conversion or doubling, diode pump systems for optical fiber lasers and amplifiers, etc.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Sergei Krivoshlykov
ALTAIR Center, LLC.
48-12 Briarwood Lane
Marlborough , MA 01752
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
ALTAIR Center, LLC.
48-12 Briarwood Lane
Marlborough , MA 01752
PROJECT TITLE: Thin Film Ferroelectric Cathodes for Waste Water Recovery in Spacecraft
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The recovery and reuse of wastewater produced by humans offers the greatest potential for reducing re-supply of water in the space life-support system. A number of physical/chemical/bio-regenerative processes have been considered to process humidity condensate, urine and wash water for reuse as potable water. Ozonation has been identified as an attractive method for waste water processing which can remove total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic salts. However, ozonation has not been applied in space applications due to the high power consumption, volume, weight and maintenance associated with the present ozone generating equipment. This proposal presents a focused program to demonstrate the feasibility of a novel and highly innovative technique for generating ozone for space applications. The proposed approach uses a recently discovered phenomenon exhibited by ferroelectric oxide materials, namely the ability to emit large currents of electrons at low voltages. We propose to generate ozone using ferroelectric cathodes. The advantages of this method include low power consumption, compact configuration and low maintenance. The phase I research will involve a laboratory scale feasibility demonstration of ozone generation using ferroelectric-based electron emitters. The projected outcome is a compact, rugged and low power ozone generator for space applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Potential commercial applications of this innovative, highly efficient waste water recovery technology are wide spread in the areas of city and municipal water treatment plants, small home water treatment units and wastewater teatment systems. The ozone generator proposed in this proposal will also find applications in semiconductor etching systems, paint removal and various oxidation based chemical reactions. Furthermore, the ferroelectric cathodes are useful in high power devices, flat panel displays, lighting sources, and high energy accelerators.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Nalin Kumar
UHV Technologies, Inc.
113 B West Park Drive
Mount Laurel , NJ 08054
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
UHV Technologies, Inc.
113 B West Park Drive
Mount Laurel , NJ 08054
PROJECT TITLE: Recovery of Water from Concentrated Brine Using Sublmation Purification Technology
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose the application of sublimation purification technology (SPT) to the recovery of water from concentrated brines which are developed from reverse osmosis and ion exchange eluents. SPT is a physical process and does not involve the consumption of any resources except energy. SPT recovers the maximum possible water because it reduces the concentrate to dry material while producing water of very high purity. Since the concentrates are separated from the solid (frozen) phase, many of the complications associated with liquid phase separation processes are eliminated. SPT may have other space flight applications. Nearly 100% of the water present in the concentrated brine will be recovered and the residual salts delivered as a dry solid. In the proposed work SPT performance data will obtained from simulated brine solutions, the feasibility of applying SPT to the space flight environment (including a system and specification) will be evaluated and space flight specific subsystem components will be tested. We propose the construction and testing of a prototype SPT system, based on the tested design developed in Phase I, capable of processing 24 lb (~11 kg) of brine solution per day in Phase II.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
SPT has been developed for extreme terrestrial applications including the purification of watersfrom evaporator bottoms bearing plutonium and uranium salts. Vortec has recently applied SPT to the production of pico-pure water and solvents for use in proprietary industrial applications. Applications to the space environment presents certain problems which are fundamental in nature to those encountered during the production of pico-pure liquids. Resolution of those problems will allow water recovery recycle and reuse systems for long duration space to operate more efficiently with greater potable water yield, and will allow SPT to be more cost effectively applied to terrestrial purification problems. Progress made under the proposed work will further develop SPT so to efficiently and inexpensively produce water having <1 part per trillion total dissolved and suspended solids. Successful completion of the Tasks disclosed in the present SBIR proposal will enable this technology to compete for a share in a market currently valued at nearly 500 M / yr. It will also allow for the production of the next generation of high purity liquids currently sought in proprietary manufacturing processes.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Nicholas V. Coppa, Ph.D
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville , PA 19426
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Vortec Corporation
3770 Ridge Pike
Collegeville , PA 19426
PROJECT TITLE: Plant Harvest Mechanization System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
ORBITEC proposes to develop a Plant Harvest Mechanization System (PHARMS) for advanced life support systems. In future Lunar or Martian bases, plants will provide all three elements needed to support human life: food, water, and air. Efficient plant biomass harvesting is one key element to enable bioregenerative life support systems for these applications. Compared to manual harvesting, mechanization of these processes will substantially reduce crew time needed while increasing the efficiency, quality, and reliability of the system. The proposed Plant Harvest Mechanization System will provide adequate throughput to handle the amount of biomass generated by plant production systems and be flexible enough to handle a variety of crops, while utilizing minimal resources such as power and volume. The PHARMS process will provide stationary multifunctional plant harvest operations, and separation and collection of edible and inedible biomass. The semi-autonomous system will be designed to operate in reduced gravity environments while providing a high level of protection for crew health and safety and will meet NASA hardware specifications. During the Phase I effort, requirements, processes, and mechanical and control system design will be integrated into a Phase I conceptual design that will be used as the baseline for a Phase II prototype.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Both space and terrestrial applications exist for the Plant Harvest Mechanization System. Applications include a multifunctional harvest system for ground-based ALSS research facilities, such as the BIO-Plex and other large scale test beds. In the long term, miniature harvesting systems could be utilized in Lunar or Mars bases as part of the overall CELSS. Terrestrial applications include the use of miniature harvesting systems in the areas of protected agriculture systems and other controlled environmental facilities which are generally used to produce fruit, vegetables, herb, ornamentals, and mushrooms. These systems, or derivatives of, would also have applications in agricultural/horticultural research for the mechanization of small research plots, and for small farms and market gardens.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jon G. Frank
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Orbital Technologies Corporation
Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive
Madison , WI 53717
PROJECT TITLE: Small, Low Cost, Low Power Sensor for Atmospheric Gases
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc. (IOS), proposes developing a novel sensor system with built-in artificial intelligence for monitoring atmospheric gases. Our system will feature a miniaturized, lightweight, low power, battery-operated sensor array and hybrid neural network signal processing hardware. We estimate that the system, which will also offer wireless communication, will be smaller than a typical household smoke detector. The sensors will be based on porous optical waveguides, which will serve as an immobilization substrate for chemical indicator dyes. These sensors will measure various gas concentrations and other parameters spectroscopically, with very high sensitivities. Several different sensors can be incorporated into a single integrated optical chip so that oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor can be measured simultaneously. The proposed system will use neural network hardware to achieve highly accurate results. The system will also be self-calibrating, so that changes in pressure and temperature affecting waveguide properties will not affect the accuracy of sensor results.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed technology has the potential to result in an inexpensive and reliable sensor for an important set of gases. Such a technology could be used in many places where such detectors are currently too expensive engines, diving suits, gas masks, office buildings, and hospitals, for example.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Shannon Campbell, Ph.D.
Intelligent Opticals Systems, Inc.
2520 W. 237th Stret
Torrance , CA 90505-5217
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Intelligent Optical Systems, Inc.
2520 W. 237th Street
Torrance , CA 90505-5217
PROJECT TITLE: Biomass Slurry Production
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The inedible portion of plant biomass (i.e., hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin) in closed regenerative life support systems must be reprocessed. Umpqua Research Company?s original NASA SBIR Phase I experimental efforts have demonstrated pumpable high solids biomass slurries of up to 27 wt%. The proposed Phase I effort significantly differs from the previously funded Phase I effort as this is an advanced equipment application which will be explored to continuously produce hydrolyzed biomass slurries. The primary advantage of an acid hydrolysis process is the substantially improved ease of pumping with either progressive cavity or piston pumps. For this advanced applications program, it is proposed to develop a continuous combined process for the simultaneous acid hydrolysis and pumping of wheat, potato, tomato, and soybean crop residues. This effort will provide the operating demonstration of a continuous combined acid hydrolysis pretreatment and pump system (e.g., extruder) where acid hydrolysis occurs within the pumping system itself. The principal advantage of the proposed technology is that a high solids slurry can be pumped directly into a high or low pressure reactor for further processing. Biomass slurries will be produced in barrel quantities and made available for future testing by NASA, academic institutions, or industry.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The primary commercial application by the Federal Government will be for the pretreatment of inedible crop biomass in reclamation systems supporting long duration space missions such as a Lunar base, or a Mars mission. The proposed research will result in the development of a compact and reliable biomass pretreatment/pumping system for biomass reprocessing that can be operated in terrestrial, hypogravity, and microgravity environments.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Carlos Figueroa, P.E.
Umpqua Research Company
P.O. Box 609
Myrtle Creek , OR 97457
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Umpqua Research Company
P.O. Box 609
Myrtle Creek , OR 97457
PROJECT TITLE: Ultrasonic Bubble Separator
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Ultrasonic separation of micro bubbles suspended in Life Support water streams is proposed. This technology will allow the efficient separation of suspended gas bubbles in micro gravity without the need for large pressure drops required by membrane filters or the large amounts of electrical power required by centripetal separators. An efficient, compact bubble separator that can be conveniently placed at any point in a liquid process is the desired aim of this work.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
A significant commercial application for this technology is as flight hardware for use in a NASA Life Support system, such as aboard the planned Space Station or a Moon base. Separation of gas bubbles from aqueous process streams is a requirement in many industrial, medical, and scientific applications. Industrial applications include micro bubble separation from ultra pure water used for semiconductor rinse, and CO2 removal from biological process streams used in the biopharmaceutical industry. Medical applications include the gas free generation of sterile water for injection. Scientific applications include the removal of air bubbles from analytical streams prior to on-line spectrophotometric analysis. These are only a few specific commercial applications. In general, simple, efficient, non intrusive, cost effective separation of a gas from an aqueous stream represents a significant technological improvement over existing technologies.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Richard R. Wheeler, Jr.
Umpqua Research Company
P.O. Box 609
Myrtle Creek , OR 97457
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Umpqua Research Company
P.O. Box 609
Myrtle Creek , OR 97457
PROJECT TITLE: Fiber Optic Ammonia Sensor
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposed program is directed towards development and evaluation of a fiber optic sensor for detection of ammonia in the 100 ppb - 500 ppm range. The sensor technology is based on immobilized triphenylmethane dyes which serve as the chemical transducer. The advantage of this approach over standard techniques is that no additives are required to promote the reaction between ammonia and the triphenylmethane dye. This is expected to lead to sensors with long-term stability and operational simplicity. The triphenylmethane dyes will react reversibly with ammonia yielding adducts which exhibit an absorption spectrum different from the pure triphenylmethane dye. These changes in the absorption spectrum will provide a mechanism for sensing ammonia. These changes will be detected via an evanescent wave interaction. This technology will be able to be implemented in a multisite distributed sensor network.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Successful completion of Phase I will result in identification of preferred components to be incorporated into a reversible fiber optic sensor for ammonia detection. This sensor will find use in spacecraft life support systems, at chemical plants, waste treatment facilities and power generation plants where ammonia is used or produced. The technology will also be potentially applicable to ammonia refrigerant leak detection.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael T. Carter
Eltron Research Inc
5660 Airport Blvd #105
Boulder , CO 80301-2340
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Eltron Research Inc
5660 Airport Blvd #105
Boulder , CO 80301-2340
PROJECT TITLE: Rotating Electrolytic Cell for In-Situ Water System Sterilization
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed program is directed towards the development of a compact, "reagentless" technology for the efficient sterilization of spacecraft potable water systems through the in-situ electrolytic generation of hydrogen peroxide. This technology will rely on a novel rotating drum electrolytic cell employing a solid polymer electrolyte and new variants of cathode electrocatalysts recently developed at Eltron Research, Inc. The hydrogen peroxide produced will act as a short lived, noncorrosive biocide. The addition of low concentrations of cupric ion will be used to enhance the disinfectant power of the hydrogen peroxide, after which the cupric ions will be removed by reduction to copper metal. The technology will be compatible with spacecraft operation as it will be physically compact, robust, energy efficient, relatively immune to the effects of low gravity, will not require consumables, and will be an add-on for existing systems.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The technology should find application in industries requiring sterilization or low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant. These include aqueous recirculation systems such as water purification and filtration units used in many industries, biofouling inhibition/removal in heat exchangers and cooling tower loops used extensively in the petrochemical and power generation industries, and sanitation for hospitals and the biotechnology industries. The technology will also have application in water purification and wastewater treatment through hydrogen peroxide promoted advanced oxidation processes
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Patrick I. James
Eltron Research Inc
5660 Airport Blvd #105
Boulder , CO 80301-2340
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Eltron Research Inc
5660 Airport Blvd #105
Boulder , CO 80301-2340
PROJECT TITLE: Direct Ambient Temperature Carbon Dioxide Management System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed program addresses advanced electrocatalysis for the direct conversion of carbon dioxide into separated methane and oxygen under ambient temperature conditions. This technology will have application in an advanced life support system for carbon dioxide atmospheric control in manned spacecraft. This will be performed by adapting a unique cathode electrocatalysis strategy identified at Eltron for selectivity promoting the subject reaction. Once fully developed , the proposed technical strategy will replace both the Sabatier reaction and subsequent water electrocatalysis steps currently used for spacecraft atmospheric carbon dioxide control. This approach will be simpler, more efficient and less expensive than the current strategy.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Optimization and characterization of this proposed electrochemical technology will lead to the high rate and efficient conversion of carbon dioxide to methane as a key component in spacecraft atmospheric control systems. The overall technology will also have technical commercial applications for the direct conversion of carbon dioxide to useful fuels and chemicals.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ella F. Spiegel
Eltron Research Inc
5660 Airport Blvd #105
Boulder , CO 80301-2340
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Eltron Research Inc
5660 Airport Blvd #105
Boulder , CO 80301-2340
PROJECT TITLE: Pyrolysis Processing for Solid Waste Resource Recovery in Space
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The NASA objective of expanding the human experience into the far reaches of space will require the development of regenerable life support systems. A key element of these systems is a means for solid waste resource recovery. The technology being addressed in this proposal is the use of pyrolysis processing for solid waste recovery, a technique that has been extensively studied at Advanced Fuel Research, Inc. (AFR) and Brown University, a subcontractor. The objective of the Phase I program is to demonstrate the feasibility of pyrolysis processing as the primary method for the conversion of solid waste materials in space. This work would be accomplished in five tasks in Phase I: 1) specification and characterization of a model waste stream; 2) design and construction of a pyrolysis reactor system; 3) pyrolysis reactor testing for data collection and analysis; 4) characterization of solid residues; 5) Phase II prototype design. Under Phase II, a prototype waste pyrolysis system would be developed and delivered to NASA. This program will demonstrate that pyrolysis processing meets the requirements of solid waste resource recovery in space, i.e., it produces usable byproducts, with minimal side products, can be tailored to meet changes in the feedstock composition and the product requirements, significantly reduces storage volume, requires low maintenance, and is compatible with the utilities that are present on board a spacecraft (electricity and small amounts of O2 and H2O).
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
In the near term, the technology would have applications to solid waste resource recovery problems in remote areas such as underdeveloped countries, oil production platforms, submarines, ships, military operations, etc., analogous to the uses for NASA technology developed for water purification. In the long term, the technology could be integrated with fuel cells and have widespread business or residential use for solid waste removal and resource recovery.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Yonggang Chen
Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.
87 Church Street
East Hartford , CT 06108-3742
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Advanced Fuel Research, Inc.
87 Church Street
East Hartford , CT 06108-3742
PROJECT TITLE: Intelligent Assistance for Activity Planning in Space Facilities
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose to develop intelligent software that assists a crew in planning activities while living in habitats like BIOPlex, Mars Transhab, and International Space Station. Progress has been made in developing autonomous planning and scheduling technology. The next step in fielding this technology in space applications is addressing how a crew can make effective use of such automated reasoning. Our approach is to integrate existing planning and scheduling reasoners with intelligent user interface software that assists the crew in using these reasoners. This requires developing new intelligent interface software that mediates crew interaction with a planner, a scheduler, and a plan executor (e.g., 3T architecture). This interface software will enable mixed-initiative interaction between the crew and these specialized reasoners. In such interaction the crew is responsible for plan generation and the intelligent interface assists the crew in allocating tasks to the reasoners and in understanding task results. This approach makes the crew more autonomous from operations support, which reduces operation costs and accommodates the communication delays and blackouts common in space exploration. This approach also gives the crew control of activity planning, which reduces the uncertainty of planning in complex, unpredictable space environments and makes costly plan failure less likely.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Planning and scheduling tasks are performed in a wide variety of industries, from schools and offices to manufacturing to space exploration. The types of industries that would benefit most from intelligent software assistance in performing these tasks are industries where resources are valuable and need to be coordinated among diverse groups of users. By managing the resources effectively and guaranteeing robust, viable schedules, industries can realize significant cost savings and smoothly run operations. Some of the target industries that can benefit from an intelligent interactive planning and scheduling system include:1. Facilities Management (hospitals, education and training, space operations) 2. Plant Operations (chemical, pharmaceuticals, food processing, manufacturing, assembly) 3. Transportation Systems (airlines, delivery systems, public transportation systems) 4. Strategic Planning (military operations, project planning, space exploration)
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Debra Schreckenghost
Metrica Inc.
1012 Hercules
Houston , TX 77058
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Metrica Inc.
10010 San Pedro, Suite 400
San Antonio , TX 78216-3856
PROJECT TITLE: An In Vitro Edible Muscle Protein Production System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The novel in vitro Edible Muscle Protein Production System (MPPS) concept is designed to answer the human need for animal protein food in the Space voyager's diet. A successful MPPS will provide a palatable and reliable source of animal protein on prolonged missions lasting 3-5 years or longer and enhance crew morale, performance and productivity. The experimental concept includes an assessment of feasibility of recycling anticipated organic wastes generated during human tenure in Space into useable components of MPPS culture media. The Phase I effort will concentrate on producing fish muscle constructs in vitro engineered to yield products as close to in vivo as possible. Culture, molding and cooking techniques will be employed to this end. A test panel of fish eaters will evaluate the suitability of the experimental products. Phase II research will expand the effort to fowl and mammalian muscle constructs. This work will also impact on NASA's interest (08.01) in "tissue engineering systems which take advantage of microgravity to grow 3-D tissue constructs".
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
MPPS produced products will meld easily into the rapidly growing "organic/natural" food industry since production of the end product is more tightly controlled than is current commercial meat production in vivo. Those advocating zero slaughter of animals are also a rapdily growing population for MPPS products. Military, peace-keeping and other operations in remote areas, where re-supply is difficult, will provide customers for MPPS-type devices and facilities. The MPPS concept has applications in human biomedical tissue engineering, as well.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
M.A. Benjaminson, Ph.D.
North Star Research (NSR)
125 Dare Road
Selden , NY 11784
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
North Star Research (NSR)
125 Dare Road
Selden , NY 11784
PROJECT TITLE: Advanced Flight Visualization Toolkit
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The Advanced Flight Visualization Toolkit (AFVT) project will develop a suite of virtual reality immersive telepresence software tools which combine the real-time abilities of a flight simulator with the data density of a Geographic Information System (GIS). This technology will be used for virtual reality training of crews, analysis of flight test data, and as an on-board immersive situation display. It will also find application as a virtual cockpit, and in teleoperation of remotely piloted vehicles. AFVT will enhance the ability of operators to interact with large amounts of multidimensional data using the most natural paradigm available: 3D immersion. This operator/data interaction technology will be an advancement comparable to the invention of the Heads-Up Display (HUD). AFVT will move the HUD into the 3rd dimension. As a simplified user interface, it will fuse real-time 3D displays of terrain with digital maps, satellite data, vehicles, flight paths, and waypoints. This unique and innovative approach will build upon recent software technology research and development from Rapid Imaging Software. It will provide component-wise access to this technology using the Windows COM (ATL) model. Finally, AFVT will permit NASA engineers to construct and deploy their own immersive multidimensional display applications on Windows-based computer platforms.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
· Aircraft cockpit enhancement· Air Safety Analysis · Search and Rescue / Enhanced 911 Services
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael F. Abernathy
Rapid Imaging Software, Inc.
1318 Ridgecrest Place S.E.
Albuquerque , NM 87108
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Rapid Imaging Software, Inc.
1318 Ridgecrest Place S.E.
Albuquerque , NM 87108
PROJECT TITLE: An Integrated Methodology for Evaluating Space Suit Mobility and Stability
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA SBIR Solicitation 98-1 emphasizes that ?Advanced extravehicular activity (EVA) systems are necessary for the successful support of future human space missions.? Topic 09.05 recognizes that development of advanced EVA systems depends on ?methods for... analysis of human performance.? Thus, development of advanced Space suits requires methods for functional evaluation of the Space suit as an EVA system (i.e., including crewmember, tools and equipment, worksites and tasks). Mobility and stability are key criteria that influence the functional efficacy of this system. The result of Phase I will be a feasible plan for development of an innovative methodology that can be used to evaluate Space-suit mobility and stability in operationally-relevant EVA tasks using existing and planned NASA facilities. The innovation that will be delivered at the end of Phase II will be comprised of (a) new methods that address human-in-the-loop detectability and stabilizability of Space-suit motion; (b) integration of new and existing methods in a cost-effective methodology for evaluating Space-suit mobility and stability; and (c) recommendations about use of the innovation by NASA personnel for ground-based evaluation and rapid prototyping of Space suits to support future EVA operations.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
? Development and evaluation of stability and mobility characteristics of terrestrial pressurized suits for civilian hazardous material and biological isolation applications and for military NBC (Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical weapons) protective gear.? Development and evaluation of stability and mobility characteristics of Firefighting suits for civilian and military applications ? Development and evaluation of stability and mobility characteristics of launch and entry suits for space flight ? Development and evaluation of stability and mobility characteristics of wet/dry suits used for civilian and military underwater operations
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
P. Vernon McDonald
Nascent Technologies Limited
15806 Spring Forest Drive
Houston , TX 77059-3809
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Nascent Technologies Limited
15806 Spring Forest Drive
Houston , TX 77059-3809
PROJECT TITLE: A Freeze Tolerant Radiator
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Radiators are used to reject the heat generated by a spacecraft?s life support system. Unfortunately, the heat loads are not constant and, in the cold environment of space, the radiators will sometimes freeze during low loads and then thaw and operate at their maximum heat rejection rate. The International Space Station radiators use thick walled tubes to resist the very high stresses generated during the freeze/thaw cycle. In order to greatly reduce the weight, TDA Research, Inc. (TDA) proposes a radiator which will not burst on freezing, and which weighs substantially less than the current model. TDA has identified several approaches to accommodate the volume change in the freeze/thaw cycle which will not generate high stresses (to minimize the tube wall weight). TDA will test several approaches in Phase I and select one for Phase II. Using the Trans-Hab for the Mars mission as a reference configuration, TDA will also prepare a conceptual design of the radiator that is indicative of the requirements of radiators in future spacecraft.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
TDA has identified several approaches to accommodate the volume change in the freeze/thaw cycle which will not generate high stresses (to minimize the tube wall weight). TDA will test several approaches in Phase I and select one for Phase II. Using the Trans-Hab for the Mars mission as a reference configuration, TDA will also prepare a conceptual design of the radiator that is indicative of the requirements of radiators in future spacecraft.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Robert J. Copeland
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
TDA Research, Inc.
12345 W. 52nd Ave.
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033-1917
PROJECT TITLE: Power Electronics and Controls for Lunar Habitat High Lift Heat Pump
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A versatile, reliable, lightweight and very efficient (>95%) variable speed AC motor controller is proposed for use in driving vapor compression cycle high lift heat pumps directly from a photovoltaic array. Active thermal control system concepts are currently being investigated by NASA that utilize high lift heat pumps for long duration manned space travel and planetary bases in extreme thermal environments. The proposed technology, and integrated control strategy, are key elements of these new thermal control systems which promise higher performance and lower mass than current technologies. The expected results of this project are; a successful demonstration and integration of the power electronics with the NASA JSC prototype high lift vapor compression cycle heat pump, experience leading to comprehensive specifications for future space mission thermal control systems, and identification of commercial applications of the resulting technology in the refrigeration and HVAC industries (on and off-grid).
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Potential commercial applications for the resulting technology include off-grid enterprise-scale solar powered refrigeration, grid-tied thermal control systems, and high efficiency thermal control systems for the transportation industry.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Carlos Miralles
AeroVironment Inc.
222 East Huntington Drive
Monrovia , CA 91016
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
AeroVironment Inc.
222 E. Huntington Drive
Monrovia , CA 91016
PROJECT TITLE: Cryogenic Tank Analysis Program
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The thermodynamic state of the cryogenic fluid in a storage and supply system cannot readily be determined using closed-form solutions or simple iterative techniques. Detailed knowledge of the heat energy into and out of the system, fluid inflow and outflow, thermal capacity and elasticity of the storage vessel, and the thermodynamic properties of the cryogenic fluid at each instant of time are necessary. To adequately define the time-varying-cryogenic fluid state requires a complex computer code that simultaneously calculates these variables and iterates quasi-steady-state solutions at each instant of time. Technology Applications, Inc. (TAI) is proposing to develop a unique PC-based computer code that couples fluid property equations of state, heat transfer, pressure vessel structural and thermodynamic analysis. This software will provide the cryogenic systems engineer a key tool that allows him to rapidly and accurately model the behavior and performance of complex cryogenic systems that operate over the terrestrial, space, and Martian environments. The software that TAI is proposing to develop is critical to the analysis and design of the cryogenic storage and supply systems for near-term NASA programs, such as Non-Toxic OMS/RCS Upgrade, In-Situ Propellant Generation, and reusable launch vehicles.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercially available cryogenic system analysis programs do not exist. A personal computer based tank analysis program, with accurate fluid property routines, is essential for conducting parametric analyses necessary to effectively design complex cryogenic systems. These storage and supply systems are used in the aerospace, liquefied natural gas, transportation and medical industries.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Richard L. Jetley
Technology Applications, Inc.
5495 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 204
Boulder , CO 80303-1821
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Technology Applications, Inc.
5495 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 204
Boulder , CO 80303-1261
PROJECT TITLE: Lightweight Oxygen Tank Insulation System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Many near term programs such as OMS upgrade and reusable launch vehicles require lightweight, reusable insulation for liquid oxygen storage and supply. Most recent work on insulation has been directed toward liquid hydrogen storage that, due to its low boiling point, generally reqires a combination of foam and purged multilayer insulation (MLI) for efficient thermal protection. Liquid oxygen has a higher boiling point and is a powerful oxidizer with severe material compatibility issues that must be considered in any insulation system design; therefore, hydrogen tank insulation is not necessarily the best system for a liquid oxygen tank. Technology Applications, Inc. (TAI) is proposing an innovative purged MLI system that provides the thermal performance, physical integrity, and reliability required for reusable liquid oxygen tank systems. The Phase I focus will be to develop and demonstrate the techniques for analyzing, designing, fabricating, and installing purged MLI blankets on a liquid oxygen tank. This will result in a lightweight insulation system that is easy to fabricate and install, provides consistent thermal performance during ground hold and on-orbit operation, and exhibits structural integrity under launch loads and ground-to-orbit transition.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This insulation system is critical to many near-term NASA programs such as the Non-Toxic Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS)/Reaction Control System (RCS), In-Situ Propellant Generation, and reusable launch vehicles. The petroleum industry needs this type of efficient, long-life, and minimum maintenance insulation for long-distance transfer of liqufied natural gas (LNG) for their ground and underwater applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Scott Willen
Technology Applications, Inc.
5495 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 204
Boulder , CO 80303-1261
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Technology Applications, Inc.
5495 Arapahoe Ave., Suite 204
Boulder , CO 80303-1261
PROJECT TITLE: New Materials for Cryogenic Couplings
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A newly invented process (patent pending) permits metal surfaces to be treated with additive materials that provide super-alloyed surfaces, hard and high-wear surfaces, thermal barrier coatings, oxidation-resistant coatings, and high-temperature-melting-point surfaces. This process has demonstrated capability of producing a chosen alloy or refractory of a specified thickness on several substrate materials. The resulting surface is nonporous and crack-free. The metallurgical bond of the alloy resists all attempts at delamination or peeling and can accommodate a wide range of temperatures and coefficients-of-expansion. Therefore, one can provide a permanent, thin layer of protective material over substrate materials. The innovation is entitled "Laser Induced Surface Improvement", or LISI. Many materials of interest have been used in two years of research and demonstration. LISI permits the cryogenic system designer to select base metals for their mechanical properties (strength, weight, etc.), as well as cost, without regard to surface-interface properties. It is no longer necessary for a system component to be constructed from heavy, expensive, or scarce material when only the surface interface with the hostile environment is critical. Unlike many other "coatings", the LISI process requires little surface preparation, needs no special environment for application, and is environmentally friendly.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The technology offered permits the development of surface alloys that are unique compositions of elements and surface structures. This process offers surface alloys that cannot be generated by any other method. Robust sealing couplings can have surfaces that are sufficiently hard to prevent scratching, yet be compatible with cryogenic fuels/oxidizers and cryogenic temperatures. The technologies to be developed and demonstrated in this SBIR will first be focused on the U.S. market to provide U.S. industry with a competitive edge.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael A. Riley
Surface Treatment Technologies, Inc.
207 Big Springs Avenue
Tullahoma , TN 37388
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Surface Treatment Technologies, Inc.
207 Big Springs Avenue
Tullahoma , TN 37388
PROJECT TITLE: Tank Gauging in Low Gravity by Dynamical (e.g., Acoustic or RF) Signal Analysis
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Accurately gauging liquid quantity in tanks in low and zero gravity proves difficult because surface tension forces migrate vapor roughly to tank center and away from any solid probes. Small accelerations also cause slosh states which frustrate static measurements. Gauging systems on spacecraft must also handle cryogens accurately (and not, for example, add any significant heat to cryotanks). Foster-Miller proposes to combine its patented Dynamical Instruments nonlinear analysis with an acoustic or radio frequency resonant mode sensor. Existing efforts have correlated liquid volume roughly with resonant frequency. Unfortunately, slosh states and varying vapor-liquid orientations prevent conventional linear signal analysis from attaining useful accuracies. We propose to use Foster-Miller's dynamic nonlinear signal analysis methods to extract liquid quantity accurately (at least within ~5% with the acoustic method, possibly better with rf) from the irregular dynamics of sensor signals which result from liquid movement and changes in orientation with acceleration. Phase I will demonstrate concept feasibility through laboratory testing at room temperature with an air-water tank designed to simulate zero gravity fluid orientations. Based on obtained results, Phase II will pursue the advanced development of a real-time instrument suitable for demonstration and use with cryotanks in low gravity.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Accurate cryotank gauging will give NASA better information and thus better control of flight planning. Inexpensive, accurate, and non-invasive acoustic versions will benefit commercial automobiles and aircraft fuel gauging and industrial tankage, expecially of corrosive liquids.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Thomas W. Lovell
Foster-Miller, Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham , MA 02154
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Foster-Miller, Inc.
350 Second Avenue
Waltham , MA 02154
PROJECT TITLE: Low-Gravity Cryogenic Liquid Acquisition Device
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A new design approach is proposed for partial communication liquid acquisition devices (LADs) with window screens for cryogenic applications. These "start-basket" devices differ from total communication devices in that liquid is retained in an auxiliary reservoir to make up for evaporation and liquid usage while the device is not in contact with liquid in the tank. Previous attempts to demonstrate start-basket LADs with cryogens were unsuccessful because critical design criteria had been neglected. Preliminary work has identified additional criteria, which will be developed further and used to design, fabricate, and demonstrate a new start-basket LAD design capable of working with cryogens. Phase I will demonstrate the concepts in 1-g, using high vapor pressure ambient fluids to simulate cryogens. Phase II will demonstrate a device with cryogens in a l-g environment, as well as with an ambient fluid under simulated low-g conditions. Partial acquisition devices with window screens can offer significant advantages with respect to reduced size and weight. Successful implementation of these devices has the potential for improving the performance (by reducing weight) and simplifying operations of all aerospace vehicles that use cryogenic propellants in a low or zero-g environment.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Potential applications include: VentureStar, Shuttle OMS upgrades, orbital-transfer vehicles, Mars missions, and other spacecraft applications requiring cryogenic propellant acquisition in low gravity. Specific commercial aerospace applications include use on future communications satellites which may use cryogenic propellants or two-phase cooling systems which require vapor free, liquid acquisition of a high vapor pressure fluid in zero-g.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mark A. Wollen
Innovative Engineering Solutions
7909 Silverton Ave. Suite 201
San Diego , CA 92126-6347
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Innovative Engineering Solutions
7909 Silverton Ave. Suite 201
San Diego , CA 92126-6347
PROJECT TITLE: Polyimide Aerogels as Cryrogenic Insulation Materials
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In Phase I Aspen System proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of improving the insulating properties of polyimide foams by preparing microcellular, polyimide aerogels. Conventional polyimide foams (millimeter cell sizes) have been used as insulating material for cyrogenic fuel tanks and shown to have a low thermal conductivity, are fire resistant, produce non-toxic degradation products, and are thermally stable at hypersonic flight environments. Aerogels are a special class of open pore microcellular foams derived from the supercritical drying of inorganic or organic gels. These materials are characterized by an extremely low density, ultrafine pore size, continuous porosity, high surface area, and a microstructure composed of interconnected colloidal-like particles or polymeric chains. One of the most promising applications for aerogels is their use as thermal insulation. The large thermal resistance of aerogels is attributed to the small cell size and high porosity of the cellular network, which consequently has a very small thermal conductivity. In Phase II the polyimides will be optimized to produce a robust aerogel material that can be used as a cryogenic insulation on reusable launch vehicles.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The successful completion of this project will identify polymeric materials that will be excellent insulation materials for cryogenic and high temperature applications. The materials will be mechanically robust, lightweight, and have applications for use in reusable launch vehicles, as well as many other applications where polyimide foam insulation is currently used.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Wendell E. Rhine, Ph.D.
Aspen Systems, Inc.
184 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough , Ma 01752
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Aspen Systems, Inc.
184 Cedar Hill Street
Marlborough , MA 01752
PROJECT TITLE: Nitrous Oxide Based Oxygen Supply System
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The Nitrous Oxide Based Oxygen Supply System (NOBOSS) is a method for storing oxygen and nitrogen for EVA breathing and mobility. Nitrous oxide, N2O, is a common storable chemical that potentially could be used as a convenient, low cost, lightweight, safe and reliable source of oxygen and nitrogen. A nitrous oxide atmosphere supply would have the following advantages: easier storage with greater density at much lower pressure, no cryogenic insulation problems, longer duration oxygen supplies with less weight, and much lower fire hazard than compressed or liquid oxygen. In the NOBOSS, nitrous oxide is decomposed via heating in a catalytic reactor, and as the decomposition is exothermic, the N2O will continue to decompose without further energy input. The NOBOSS can be used to supply breathing gas to existing 4.3 psi space suits by employing an air separation membrane or molecular sieve to eliminate the nitrogen. The waste nitrogen could then provide propellant gas for an MMU. Alternatively, the 2/3 nitrogen, 1/3 oxygen gas mixture produced by N2O dissociation is the ideal gas supply for an 8 psi space suit. In addition, expansion of stored liquid N2O produces cold gas that can be used to help cool a spacesuit.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
There are many potential commercial application of nitrous oxide based oxygen supply systems. The greatest advantage in using this system would be that of lower weight and longer duration breathing supplies. A nitrous oxide based oxygen supply system would provide an excellent source of long duration breathable atmosphere for space suits and for the cabins of spacecraft for long duration flights. Other commercial applications would be for fire fighters and hazardous material personnel who would benefit by having much lighter weight tanks to carry around which contained a greater supply of oxygen. Scuba divers who do not descend below 100 feet, but need to spend considerable time underwater, would also be potential beneficiaries of this system.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Robert Zubrin
Pioneer Astronautics
445 Union Blvd., Suite 125
Lakewood , CO 80228
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Pioneer Astronautics
445 Union Blvd., Suite 125
Lakewood , CO 80228
PROJECT TITLE: Highly Reliable Piezoelectric Pump
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The specific proposed innovation is a compact, reliable, high volume liquid pump driven by piezoelectric crystals. NASA needs this pump to circulate coolant in life support systems used in space suites for extravehicular operations. Reliability is high because (1) there are no sliding or dynamic seals, and (2) the pump is so compact that a backup pump could be installed in the suit?s backpack if desired. High flow capacity leads to improved cooling for increased human comfort in the space environment. The overall objective is to fabricate, test, and deliver a prototype coolant pump to NASA for integration into a functional EVA system. The objectives of Phase I are to prove feasibility by fabricating and testing a model piezoelectric drive system.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
There are commercial applications for the compact, high capacity, efficient cooling pump in medicine, occupational safety and health, and electronics. The piezoelectric pump can reduce the weight and increase the reliability of portable, actively cooled garments used for therapy and to relieve heat stress at the workplace. Therapeutic applications include treatment of the symptoms of a range of disorders that include multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and diseases that prevent perspiration. Compact, actively cooled garments can be used in chemical plants, utility and power plants, and HAZMAT operations. The piezoelectric pump can be used in compact cooling systems for high power electronics in both commercial and defense applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Michael G. Izenson
Creare Incorporated
P.O. Box 71, Etna Road
Hanover , NH 03755
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Creare Incorporated
P.O. Box 71, Etna Road
Hanover , NH 03755-0071
PROJECT TITLE: Multiple Physiological Variables Monitored Non-Invasively from a Single Site
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed research is focused on a virtual instrument version of a system that acquires multiple variables of meaningful, clinically-relevant physiological data from a single location on the human body in an unobtrusive, non-invasive manner. Heart rate and pulse oximetry have achieved almost universal monitoring status in both hospital and non-hospital settings; however, the monitoring of continuous core temperatures has not received widespread use mainly because of measurement site problems with oral and rectal probes. NASA continues to have an unmet need for continuously monitoring core temperatures in the unencumbered crewmember, especially during EVA and exercise. The development of infrared techniques for the intermittent measurement of tympanic membrane temperature together with miniaturized multi-variable sensor systems which can be worn comfortably in the ear of an ambulatory subject. Significant innovations are required to measure continuous core temperature, miniaturize the sensors, and provide for simultaneous data acquisition without interference. The proposed effort will provide NASA with a virtual instrument based upon an extension of the technology described in U.S. Patent 5,673,692.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Hospitals, free-standing surgicenters, sub-acute care units, nursing homes, and ambulances are all potential customers for products derived from the proposed research. In additiont to solving an unmet need for NASA in monitoring core temperature and oxygen saturation, the system will also serve specialized markets in clinical sleep laboratories and basic research laboratories. A recent drop in the number of hospital beds has been accompanied by a rise in alternative care facilities. In 1994, two independent marketing studies established that the demand for the proposed product exists. The studies found that nurses were most enthusiastic about the concept. It was also found that physician attitudes were cautious in some areas while encouraging in others based upon the limited description that they were given. The "virtual intrument" will enable further testing of the concept and its acceptability in the clinical marketplace. The proposed research will be incorporated into the virtual instrument which will be used to develop a line of products that best meet the demands of the healthcare industry.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Arthur E. Schulze
Healthcare Technology Group, Inc.
6901 Corporate Dr., Suite 111
Houston , TX 77036
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Healthcare Technology Group, Inc.
6901 Corporate Dr., Suite 111
Houston , TX 77036
PROJECT TITLE: Synthetic Muscle with Large Force and Range
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The intent of this proposal is to develop a synthetic muscle electromechanical actuator which is capable of large amplitude deformation (up to 30% in the direction of motion) and substantial force (0.6 lbs per square cm of perpendicular cross section at 65 volts). In addition, the actuator will be extremely lightweight (density about 1g/cc), vacuum compatible, capable of high speed proportional response, and mass manufacturable in sizes ranging from the Phase I prototype ( 0.6 cubic mm) to very large devices (> 1 cuft). The actuator is made of metallized plastic. In Phase I we will construct a prototype using VLSI techniques as well as identify non-VLSI mass production methods for use in Phase II.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The actuator, which may also serve as a sensor or generator, would be an enabling element in ultra-lightweight robotic, optical, fluid control, and haptic interface systems. Specific applications include: valve actuators, solenoid replacements, manipulator and locomotion drivers for autonomous robotic and microrobotic systems, endoscope steering mechanisms, mechanical scan drivers for ultrasound imaging, positioning drivers for optical interconnect elements, drivers for optical surface configuration in adaptive optics, tactile feedback mechanisms in haptic interfaces, and ul- timately active prostheses. The actuator's ability to simultaneously sense and effect motion is a significant control benefit in all the applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Michael A. Pennington
IntIntegrated Electronic Innovations
310 N. Dixon Ave.
Cary , NC 27513
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Integrated Electronic Innovations inc.
310 N.Dixon Ave
Cary , NC 27513
PROJECT TITLE: Eye Tracking and Image Overlay for Improved Telerobotic Immersion
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Metrica's proposes to augment existing telerobotic interfaces with dual eye position control to independently control left and right vergence angles of a binocular camera system. This enhancement, coupled with an anthropomorphically-correct 6-DOF camera manipulator and a stereoscopic HMD, promises to alleviate most of the eye strain and nausea associated with fixed vergence camera systems. An additional improvement proposed is one that overlays the live video signals with graphics that are extracted from the observed scene. Edge detection and structured visual cues will present more information about the remote surroundings when the environment is visually occluded by dust particles or low light conditions. The proposed enhancements combine to offer a greater level of immersion with a telerobotic interface that is presently available with extant systems.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The commercial prospects for these technologies are numerous. As a complete system, the most notable applications are in space-based NASA extra-vehicular activity operations and in underwater inspection or ship salvage. Individual components of the total system can be offered as complete products, contributing further marketing potential. The 6-DOF camera base itself is a likely product alongside other PTV heads with lesser features. Combining the head tracker, HMD, and dual eye trackers creates a product that would find use in virtual reality and computer gaming applications, along with some unique applications not possible with current technology.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Bryn Wolfe
Metrica
1012 Hercules Drive
Houston , TX 77058-2722
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Metrica Inc.
10010 San Pedro, Suite 400
San Antonio , TX 78216-3856
PROJECT TITLE: Field Emission Cathodes from Aligned Arrays of Carbon Nanotubes
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Manufacturable technology for producing field emission cathodes from arrays of uniform and aligned carbon nanotubes will be developed. The approach is based on the templated synthesis of carbon nanotube arrays of very high, up to 10E12 cm-2, density. The uniqueness of this project is the growth of carbon nanotubes in the pores in the self-organized nanotemplates. Resulting arrays of carbon nanotubes will be compatible with the existing microfabrication technologies, therefore offering unique potential for integration of carbon nanotubes into displays, devices and circuits. Proposed technology will provide unmatched cost-effectiveness, and manufacturability, and can enable numerous application for field emitters based on carbon nanotubes, including those requiring high specific power. Phase I will establish the proof-of-concept. Phase II will extensively evaluate and optimize the technology and produce prototype devices. Phase III will commercialize the technology.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Proposed aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes can be readily used in a wide range of materilas and devices for magnetic, optical, and electronic application, including cold cathode field emitters with low operating voltage. Together with cost-effectiveness of production, efficiency, and emission current stability, the technology can spur new applications in vacuum microelectronics, flat panel displays, communications, electron emission sources for small electrostatic thrusters, batteries and capacitors, MEMS devices and sensors, nanoelectronics, and lubricated coatings.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dmitri Routkevitch, Ph.D.
Nanomaterials Research Corp.
2620 Trade Center Avenue
Longmont , CO 80503
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Nanomaterials Research Corp.
2620 Trade Center Avenue
Longmont , CO 80503
PROJECT TITLE: Diamond/Carbon-Nanotube Structures
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Composite structure encompassing carbon nanotubes and diamond has recently attracted attention due to the promising electronic and structural properties. Such a structure has not been realized experimentally so far and has been studied only by theoretical simulations, taking into account experimental data for individual components. Due to the electrical properties of nanotubes and negative electron affinity of the wide-band-gap diamond, it is expected that the diamond coated nanotubes could be an ideal material for highly efficient electron sources. Theoretical simulations have shown that the composite structure made of nanotubes and diamond matrix would be a high modulus, low density material, stable to shear and other distortions. Both structures might prove useful for applications in a variety of spacecraft systems and components. In response to the NASA-SBIR 98 Program Solicitation, the MER Corporation, in collaboration with the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, proposes this program to develop the experimental procedure for the formation of diamond/carbon nanotube structures.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
At this moment, at the very beginning of the development of proposed diamond/carbon-nanotube composite structures, it could be anticipated that the diamond coated carbon nanotubes have a strong marketing potential in the domain of different electron field emitters and electron sources in electronic industry, for cathode ray tubes, flat panel displays, very large display boards, signalization equipment, etc. The composite structure based on carbon nanotubes and diamond matrix have application potential for small-size heavy load construction elements, scratch-resistant, impact resistant and projectile penetration resistant panels, multi-layered structures and coatings.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Stevan Dimitrijevic
MER Corporation
7960 S. Kolb Rd.
Tucson , AZ 85706
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
MER Corporation
7960 S. Kolb Rd.
Tucson , AZ 85706
PROJECT TITLE: Advanced CNC Manufacturing of Composite Thermal Protection Systems for Earth/Planetary Aerocapture and Entry
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This project will develop a new method for manufacturing ablative heat-shield systems for hypersonic aerobrakes, planetary entry vehicles, and high-speed tactical missiles. NASA has an ambitious program defined for robotic and human exploration of space. Today's TPS manufacturing for such missions is based on technology from the 1960's. For suitable ablative materials, today's manufacturing process involves either: 1) bonded-on and filled honeycomb; or 2) machined and bonded tiles. Both approaches are labor-intensive and costly, and produce heat shields with less than optimal performance. In Phase I, we will verify and demonstrate the feasibility of the new "SCBA" manufacturing process for heat shields which is highly automated and is based on a CAD/CAM approach with CNC laser milling. This process requires flexible elastomeric charring ablators, and two multi-member families of materials are now available: 1) NBR/phenolic ablators for high heating rates above 500 Btu/ft2-sec; and 2) filled-silicone ablators for heating rates that can be as high as approximately 500 Btu/ft2-sec.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The technical results of this project have excellent and far-reaching commercial applications. Today, there is a significant shortage of ablative-heat-shield systems to meet near-term needs of NASA, Department of Defense and the aerospace industry. There is a broad range of thermal environments for which protection is needed, and this generates the requirement for a family system. A successful Phase I and Phase II should result in commercial production of a range of heat shield products, and these might be supplied both as manufactured heat-shield subassemblies or as heat shield "kits."
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
William M. Congdon
Applied Research Associates, Inc.
5941 S. Middlefield Road, Suite 100
Littleton , CO 80123
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Applied Research Associates Inc
4300 San Mateo Blvd., NE, Suite A-220
Albuquerque , NM 87110
PROJECT TITLE: Lignin-Silicate Corrosion Inhibiting Primers
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A water-borne lignin-silicate primer/coating system is described that promises to significantly inhibit corrosion of the important base metals iron and aluminum. The key to this technology is the use of sol gel chemistry to prepare the corrosion inhibiting primer. The well known quinoidal, catecholic, and phenolic groups of lignin provide the corrosion inhibition. The proposed technology is especially attractive since it involves only environmentally benign components, is easy to apply, and will be economical.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The innovative technology described herein will have application in the corrosion prevention of a wide variety of steel and aluminum substrates, including bridges and aluminum-hulled ships. As such, there will be many large potential commercial applications after development through Phase II and III.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Brian G. Dixon
Cape Cod Research, Inc.
19 Research Road
East Falmouth , MA 02536
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Cape Cod Research, Inc.
19 Research Road
East Falmouth , MA 02536
PROJECT TITLE: Environmentally Safe Disposal of Hydrazine and Nitrogen Tetroxide Wastes
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Hydrazine-based fuels and nitrogen tetroxide-based oxidants are commonly used in many missiles, spacecraft and space launch vehicles. These chemicals are extremely toxic and highly energetic, and consequently very hazardous. Currently, water scrubbers are used effectively to remove their vapor contaminants in the process of storage and transfer. However, the scrubber effluents still require further treatment in a continuous manner to eliminate these wastes. A safe and effective decontamination method is urgently needed. The key to this project is the use of a hybrid system to convert both wastes into harmless N2 instead of toxic nitrogen oxides or nitrate. This will be achieved by using a combination of solid polymer electrolyte (SPE)-based fuel cell and electrolyzer. The wastes will be first ?cold burned? in the fuel cell and then the unreacted species will be further decomposed in the electrolyzer. In addition to serving as an effective separator for the two different waste streams, the SPE will provide favorable reaction environments at the electrode/membrane interfaces for the efficient decomposition of hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide through electrooxidation and electroreduction, respectively.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Spin-off technology associated with the proposed project will have great potential for use in treating many vapors of chemical compounds controlled under Hazardous Air Pollutants in the Clean Air Act. It is also of great interest to commercial launch vehicles as well as in the maintenance and operation of hydrazine-fueled auxiliary propulsion units on advanced aircraft.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
King-Tsai Jeng
Lynntech, Inc.
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202
College Station , TX 77840
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Lynntech, Inc.
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202
College Station , TX 77840-4042
PROJECT TITLE: Point Sensor Network for Hydrazine Monitoring (7168-540)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A low-maintenance broad-area monitoring system is required for detection of toxic hydrazine leaks during fueling operations on the Mobile Launch Platform. The system must accurately detect 1 to 100 ppm vapor leaks in < 15 seconds and be capable of maintenance-free operation for 3 to 6 months. Broad-area coverage coupled with rapid detection will ensure worker safety and reduce the current high operational costs associated with evacuating personnel as well as locating and remediating the leak source. Currently available sensor technologies are either too expensive or do not provide the required performance over the 1 to 100 ppm range. The ideal system would be a distributed network of small inexpensive reversible sensors, each in communication with a central base station, which provides a visual display of concentration in the vicinity of each sensor. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop such a low-maintenance system for rapid determination of the concentration and spatial location of leaks under field conditions which will meet or exceed the desired specifications. A prototype individual sensor device incorporating novel low-cost disposable sensor elements will be demonstrated in Phase I. A sufficient quantity of disposables will be delivered to NASA for evaluation.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The low-maintenance monitoring system will have many performance/cost advantages over competing devices. The underlying technology is broadly applicable to several important sensing applications, including personal dosimetry, regulatory compliance, compositional analysis, and quality control. Detectable species include toxic gases, environmental pollutants, biomolecules, and odorants. Target markets include the aerospace, chemical, agricultural, pharmaceutical, food, and fragrance industries, as well as the Federal Government.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Mitchell R. Zakin
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover , MA 01810-1077
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover , MA 01810-1077
PROJECT TITLE: A new, low cost, portable hydrogen leak detector
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA requires a variety of sensors to verify the safety of launch and landing areas. We propose the development of a small, portable, hydrogen leak detector capable of measuring hydrogen concentrations between 100 and 100,000 ppm in helium, nitrogen, and air. Our approach uses a recently invented microscale mass spectrometer with a membrane separator sampling system to achieve the target sensitivity, selectivity and a response time of less than 15 seconds. The proposed system is completely self-contained (including vacuum pumping) and can fit within a soda can (including electronics). We anticipate continuous, maintenance-free operation for at least one year. We will combine the microscale mass spectrometer (MS) now being developed by Mass Sensors, LLC., with Southwest Sciences expertise in developing methods for continuous monitoring of trace gases. The new, microscale mass spectrometer provides high mass resolution because it is a true double focusing spectrometer using merege magnetic and electrostatic fields, and it provides high sensitivity because it is compatible with conventional, ion-multiplier-style detectors. Since mass spectrometers are universal detectors, our design is adaptable to a wide range of chemical sensor needs, while undercutting the price of currently available commercial instruments by at least an order of magnitude.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial applications extend well beyond leak detection, particularly if Mass Sensors' MS technology is combined with one of Southwest Sciences' patented improvements to mass spectroscopy, ionization energy modulation. The resulting technology will have obvious commercial application to automotive emissions testing, air quality monitoring, industrial hygiene, environmental cleanup monitoring, and industrial process control for semiconductor fabrication and petrochemical production. Biomedical applications include blood gas monitoring and anesthesia delivery control.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
David S. Bomse
Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco Street; Suite E-11
Santa Fe , NM 87505-3993
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Southwest Sciences, Inc.
1570 Pacheco St. Suite E-11
Santa Fe , NM 87505-3993
PROJECT TITLE: Miniature Smart Sensor Module For Simultaneous Hydrogen, Oxygen, Pressure, and Temperature Measurement For Launch Applications
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Makel Engineering Inc. proposes to develop a compact, rugged, smart sensor module capable of measuring multiple gas species and physical parameters. The sensor module will provide measurement of hydrogen, oxygen, ambient pressure, and temperature. This multi-parameter smart sensor (MPSS) will use solid-state, silicon based MEMS sensor technology. The proposed sensor module will be capable of being connected into a digitally controlled data or distributed control system. The sensor module will be miniature in size enabling a large number of sensors to be used on launch facilities or vehicles. These modules will provide real-time data suitable for launch readiness assessments and integrated vehicle health management. The sensor modules will be designed to withstand harsh launch conditions. The proposed multi-parameter sensor module system will provide: (1) real-time quantitive gas concentration, pressure, and temperature measurements, (2) lightweight, robust modules suitable for launch environments, (3) digital communications immune to EMI and RFI, and (4) built-in-test and health monitoring capability. The proposed sensor module will exploit the latest advances in MEMS sensor technology to produce a highly integrated sensor module for NASA and commercial applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed multi-parameter smart sensor is directly applicable to the industrial gas detection industry. Rapid commercialization of this system is expected because of; (1) the growing use of distributed control systems, (2)the increasing industrial demand for hydrogen detection for applications such as fuel cells, high energy batteries, and integrated circuit manufacturing, (3) the potential of the technology to produce a low cost device, and (4) the flexibility of the system deisgn to use interchangeable sensors for different gases and industrial applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Darby B. Makel
Makel Engineering, Inc.
1020 Marauder Street, Suite D
Chico , CA 95973
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Makel Engineering, Inc.
1020 Marauder Street, Suite D
Chico , CA 95973
PROJECT TITLE: An Expert System to Render Measures and Predictions of Manpower Mix and Staffing for Total Company Right Sizing
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA is faced with the competitive need to right size the total human resource requirements for their organization. This need is common to traditional U.S. manufacturers who are competing in a global market. Varied manpower requirements due to economic conditions and competition have driven companies to chase the most effective reorganization strategy. Predictable models for varied markets and competitive situations are needed to direct NASA and the U.S. manufacturers alike. To that means, a computer-generated expert system is presented as an innovative and timely solution. This software will offer NASA and manufacturing companies prompt and accurate measures to direct their employment levels. The specific innovation will continue to build on a platform and methodology of an expert system to measure, manage, and optimize manpower requirements at all levels of the organization including production, support, research, and management. IET regularly works with clients on assignments including value-analysis of all positions and developing models and algorithms of optimal staffing levels based on current or forecasted economic conditions. The proposed system will have the flexibility to handle a variety of defined environmental variables, provide "what if" analysis, and measures of confidence and risk. In addition, the software must identify opportunities for improvement and measure performance.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
IET has worked with numerous clients on corporate cost improvement activities centered around improving total labor performance, establishing measures of performance that can be realistically tracked, and developing improvement programs for cost reduction. Decision support models have been developed by IET to assist this effort. A true intelligence based system that could be comercially available to companies could assist individuals or teams in the use of the software to manage this effort. Areas of particular interest may include the following contract services common to manufacturing and service companies: total NASA manpower requirements for varied levels of shuttle launches, contract labor for space shuttle ground processing, peak manning for depot maintenance of large aircraft and military vehicles, temporary production support and enlisted versus officer manpower allocations.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Timothy C. Stansfield
IET, Inc.
3539 Glendale Ave.
Toledo , OH 43614
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
IET, Inc.
3539 Glendale Ave.
Toledo , OH 43614
PROJECT TITLE: Change Management and Analysis Tool
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The information revolution has resulted in an accelerated rate of change and currently managers are spending significant time to ensure that changes are inducted in an orderly manner, without introducing chaos into the system. In industry, military, or NASA type of domains, changes could be because of process re-design, technological advancements, special one-time requirements, etc. A tool that assists in analyzing the impact of changes on system elements and on system performance will be very useful. Decision makers can use such a tool to evaluate the impact of contemplated changes, compare different options, and choose options that maximize organizational goals.The proposed "Change Management and Analysis Tool" captures three different types of models (process, product/object, and functional). Changes are captured in terms of additions, deletions, and attribute value changes to processes, products, and functionality. The impact of any change is propagated through the system using knowledge-based change propagation relationships. Changes to system performance metrics (time, cost, risk, and safety) are then determined using quantitative and qualitative mechanisms. Phase I will also result in the development of a systematic approach to determine system-wide safety metrics and safety interactions. Fuzzy logic and neural networks will be used to facilitate this.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
CMAT is a valuable decision-aid in any domain which undergoes design or process changes. As such, it has good commercial potential, both in industry and military.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Madhav Erraguntla
Knowledge Based Systems, Inc.
1408 University Drive East
College Station , TX 77840
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Knowledge Based Systems, Inc.
1408 University Drive East
College Station , TX 77840
PROJECT TITLE: Expert System for Analysis and Optimization of Products and Processes
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This research will result in an expert system that can be used by KSC engineers to facilitate insight responsibilities associated with current and future NASA-KSC projects. System performance data will be analyzed and interpreted using appropriate statistical techniques. When data indicate that the system is not stable and/or capable, advice will be offered by the expert system. When additional data is required, the expert system will provide guidance, using engineer-specified criteria to determine the "best" experimental design. Once data are collected and entered into the expert system, the appropriate statistical analysis will be completed and the results will be interpreted for the engineer. The expert system will incorporate decision-maker preferences along with statistical methodologies to yield the most useful experimental results possible. Aerospace vehicle designers could also use the expert system to implement experimental design, statistical analysis, and optimization requirements. As part of the system, multivariate optimization could be performed, incorporating new mathematical algorithms that enable the engineer to simultaneously optimize several characteristics of the system. The multivariate optimization methodologies include the use of decision-maker preferences to achieve the most preferred Pareto-optimal solution.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed expert system will be customized for future civilian and government clients affiliated with aviation and aerospace. Companies involved with depot maintenance, manufacturing, and aerospace/aviation vehicle design would be potential clients. The functionality developed through this SBIR program will provide the framework for future modifications of the expert system.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Deborah M. Osborne
Optimal Engineering Solutions
20 Forestview Way
Ormond Beach , FL 32174
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Optimal Engineering Solutions
20 Forest View Way
Ormond Beach , FL 32174
PROJECT TITLE: MICROGRAVITY ENHANCED BIOLOGICAL CELL SELECTION
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
SRL is proposing to develop a new technology that has application to gene and cancer therapies, and therapies for treating space mission crewmembers receiving unexpected bursts of ionizing radiation. This new technology will allow us to rapidly isolate and purify hematopoietic stem cells from peripheral blood. When administered, the isolated/purified stem cells completely regenerate the blood and immune system of humans subjected to high doses of ionizing radiation and chemical toxins including chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer therapy. For these applications, it is essential to separate cells having nearly the same diameter in ex vivo suspensions of peripheral blood cells. In this new technique, larger biological cells in a suspension are irreversibly electroporated leading to cell death, while the smaller cells remain viable. The size resolution of this electric field cell selection process is critically dependent on electric field gradients in the suspension, which are driven by cell density variations, which, in turn, are driven by settling (gravity) effects. Our calculations show that these gravity effects limit the size resolution of cell selection too greater than 1 micron. However, many critical applications of this technology require sub-micron resolution. Sub-micron resolution can potentially be obtained in the microgravity environment of space.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This SBIR project will result in a breakthrough technology that will make possible the cost effective commercial isolation of the hematopoietic stem cell, which is the progenitor of all blood/immune system cells. Stem cells are forming the basis of therapies for treating cancers and immune system failure after chemotherapy; gene therapies for AIDS and leukemia; and as countermeasures for naturally occurring (Ebola) or mankind inflicted biological insults (biological weapons). The commercial market for stem cell isolation systems is at least 0.5 billion dollars.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
DR. HENRY EPPICH
SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY INC
15 WARD STREET
SOMERVILLE , MA 02143
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
SCIENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY INC
15 WARD STREET
SOMERVILLE , MA 02143
PROJECT TITLE: LED-based lighting system used with Hyperbaric Oxygen and KGF-2 growth factor to accelerate wound healing on long range space missions
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Improved wound healing may have multiple applications, which may benefit civilian medical care, military situations and long-term space flights. In space wounds may heal differently than here on earth. Laser light has shown some benefit for wound healing, but has limited surface area and wavelength. Advances in semiconductor technology, developed for NASA's long range life support missions, have led to the development of light emitting diode systems capable of high irradiant output equivalent or superior to laser sources being used in wound healing today. These LEDs offer the potential for dramatic improvement in wound healing over lasers for future space flight, civilian and military applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The initial thrust of this research is to develop a device and methodology to accelerate the healing of wounds that may be encountered in the day to day operations and construction of the International Space Station. There is no doubt that this photo-accelerated wound healing technology, once demonstrated for space, can be immediately applied to military applications, and will have a profound economic implications for the health care industry here on Earth. A laser source, due to inherent physical constraints and initial capital investment, has limited the acceptance of this technology thus far. With the development of a low cost LED source, the photo-accelerated wound healing technology will find its way into rural area medical facilities thereby making the technology readily available to everyone. The world wide commercial implications for this device technology are enormous.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Ronald W. Ignatius
Quantum Devices, Inc.
112 Orbison St.
Barneveld , WI 53507
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Quantum Devices, Inc.
112 Orbison Street
Barneveld , WI 53507
PROJECT TITLE: A Dynamically Controlled Vapor Diffusion Protein Crystal Growth System.
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal addresses the development of a new and innovative dynamically controlled vapor diffusion system that will provide precise control of pre- and post-nucleation growth. Subtopic 11.01, Commercial Microgravity Research, is addressed in that a new and innovative approach will be developed to control protein crystal growth in real-time (dynamically). The system will have important biological and medical relevance in that it will provide crystals for new protein structure determinations and drug design. The overall project objectives for the Phase I effort are: 1)Design a 20 chamber dynamically controlled vapor diffusion module that allows simultaneous and dynamic control of evaporation profiles of individual cells. 2)Use of an existing vapor duffusion system to crystallize 10-15 proteins to demonstrate applicability of the proposed crystallization system. The proposed system will provide a powerful new approach for small and macromolecular crystal growth, benefiting NASA's long history of fundamental and commercial objectives in crystal growth.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed innovative crystal growth system will be of tremendous value to crystallography, chemistry and pharmaceutical laboratories worldwide. The combined market for these scientific disciplines is substantial and the proposed device will play a vital role in their future. Protein crystal growth is generally recognized as the major bottleneck in crystallographic structural investigations, which are of paramount importance in elucidating fundamental structure/function relationships and in stucture-based drug design. These investigations take on further importance with the increasing emphasis on proteome research.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Gayle Christopher, PhD
Diversified Scientific, Inc.
2800 Milan Ct., Suite 381
Birmingham , AL 35211-6908
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Diversified Scientific
2800 Milan Ct, Suite 381
Birmingham , AL 35211-6908
PROJECT TITLE: Space Adaptor Kit for Small Payloads
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovation is to develop a complete solution for space flight qualification and use of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) microcomputer systems. Our innovation, the Space Adapter Kit (SAK), would effectively allow the experimenter to fly hardware while isolating the "unqualified" COTS hardware from the critical flight system hardware and interfaces. This system would target the small, low-budget experimenter in the government, university, and commercial sectors and enable the flight of payloads that would be unaffordable with custom systems. Past efforts to create a standard space flight/payload computer have failed primarily due to lacking the production volume to take advantage of economies of scale or keep pace with the latest technology. AZ Technology proposes a "Kit" which would adapt COTS systems to the space environment, matched with modular software suitable for the application. The SAK would consist of qualified power supply and data communications subsystems, thermal control, and a mechanical containment system, coupled with software tools that allow for automatic generation of flight software and telemetry/command databases. The SAK would lower the cost of developing payloads while isolating spacecraft and crew from COTS hardware failures, and would ease integration with spacecraft and ground systems.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The commercial applications potential is significant. With the recent and proposed commercialization of space, the SAK fills a gap for low cost users wishing to fly experiments. The SAK offers a low budget alternative to the high cost special designs which keep many experimenters from being able to afford space flight. Other applications, other than space, are numerous. The SAK could provide protection for inexpensive COTS controller usage in harsh environments such as sand or salt spray. The boating industry and recreational vehicles markets could use a marine-hardened SAK. Further, the military market could use a SAK for harsh military environments.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Kenneth D. King
AZ Technology, Inc.
4901 Corporate Drive, Suite 101
Huntsville , AL 35805
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
AZ Technology, Inc.
4901 Corporate Drive, Suite 101
Huntsville , AL 35805
PROJECT TITLE: A Portable Medical X-ray Imager For Teleradiology Applications
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Teleradiographic imaging applications pose a significant engineering challenge in terms of portability, resolution, and minimal operating power. A novel approach to high spatial resolution X-ray imaging is proposed here that will allow portability while maintaining low power consumption as compared with similar imaging devices. An optically coupled CMOS image sensor mosaic combined with a phosphor conversion screen will be used to effectively capture large field digital X-ray images. This innovative technique will achieve considerably lower power consumption than conventional CCD mosaic hardware along with a more compact, integrated design. Innovations in mosaic image reconstruction and parallel modular mosaic imaging hardware have been described by Sensor Plus in several publications for a digital mammography imager that uses CCD devices. To make a mosaic imager feasible, two image processing algorithms are required: distortion correction and stitching. An approach employing a custom-designed calibration screen will be applied for distortion correction and stitching. By employing a custom-designed calibration pattern, it will guarantee robust, accurate correction and stitching. Further application of these innovations for the development of a portable teleoperable medical x-ray imager is the primary objective of this proposal. Additional design issues will include hardware solutions for network connectivity and remote acquisition.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Portable teleradiology once developed for production may be marketable both nationally and internationally. Primary markets include onsite radiography for long and short term space missions, domestic mobile medical facilities, military missions, and low cost radiography for economically developing areas or nations.Low cost construction is realized through the use of CMOS image detectors. The approximate cost of the 1000x800 pixel detector selected for this proposal is in the range of 75-100 dollars. The cost of the lenses are comparable to the image sensors so that the total cost of the detector array portion of the imager is approximately 8,000-11,000 dollars. Therefore, it becomes feasible to build a teleoperated, full size, X-ray imager below 20,000 dollars. This is very promising where low cost is a key factor in the potential markets described above.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Scott T. Smith
Sensor Plus Inc.
4250 Ridge Lea Rd., Suite 41
Amherst , NY 14226
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Sensor Plus Inc.
4250 Ridge Lea Rd. Suite 41
Amherst , NY 14226
PROJECT TITLE: Virtual Tours of NASA Facilities, Research Sites, Image Archives and Web Pages, and the Virtual Environment Builder Software
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Seismic Entertainment, an award winning industry leader in VR development, will use virtual reality (VR) technologies to create virtual tours of NASA facilities, research sites, media archives and web pages. The objective will be to attract repeat visitors into content-rich, collaborative environments, where educational exploration of NASA facilities, math and science concepts, and large archives and web sites, is both intuitive and appealing. An accompanying objective will be to integrate the resulting authoring tools into a companion Virtual Environment Builder (VEB), which can be used by NASA outreach personnel and software developers to create and modify additional worlds and tours. The proposed research will look beyond current technology to examine high-resolution panoramic imaging, VRML world-building and multi-user simulation tools. Phase I research objectives focus on evaluating the use of existing VR software in classroom, museum and home situations, soliciting feedback from students and the general public at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, creating innovative techniques for communicating the mission-critical concepts of major NASA programs, and locating available content and technology resources from the private sector and government facilities. This information will be incorporated into the technical and creative design of cutting-edge virtual tours and VEB software.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The anticipated results of a successful Phase I and Phase II effort will be a complete set of virtual environments and tours designed around NASA facilities, research sites, image archives and web pages, with live guided tours online led by scientists and engineers involved in the exploration of Earth and space. Space-exploration simulations and activities, designed with educators in accordance with NSTA guidelines, will be integrated into the VR environments, teaching fundamental science, math and engineering concepts. The virtual tours will be published on the Internet on a Seismic website, such as the LostWorlds VR Atlas, distributed on educational and entertainment CD/DVD-ROMs, and installed in public space kiosks at museums and visitor centers. Finally, a fully functional Virtual Environment Builder (VEB) will be available in professional and consumer versions on CD/DVD-ROM to enable NASA outreach personnel, educators and the general public to modify and create their own virtual tours. Drawing on collaborations with educators, focus group testing with people of all backgrounds, and cutting-edge educational technology, the resulting products will be the most technologically advanced and innovative educational software tools available on the market, and will run on PC systems available to the majority of the general public.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jack Sculley
Seismic Entertainment
1495 Masonic Avenue
San Francisco , CA 94117
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Seismic Entertainment
1495 Masonic Avenue
San Francisco , CA 94117
PROJECT TITLE: Integrated GNC System for Autonomous Spacecraft
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This SBIR project will develop a low cost and small size flight control and navigation system with applications to autonomous spacecraft. This system will combine our existing fully-coupled GPS/IMU and advanced flight control techniques. The system contains two main subsystems: a flight control subsystem and a GPS/IMU navigation subsystem. The flight control system will provide good dynamic stability, and achieve the desired spacecraft dynamic handling characteristics. It will insure the required flying qualities, and improve spacecraft performance to perform its flight mission. The GPS/IMU navigation system will provide accurate position data, as well as altitude, ground speed, time, and wind vector information. The unique solution of the combined flight control and GPS/IMU navigation systems will provide enhanced flight control and navigation qualities. In the Phase I project, the feasibility, as well as functions, specifications, hardware architecture, and software requirements of the system will be investigated and conducted. Through modeling the spacecraft and analyzing its flight characteristics, the design of an intelligent autopilot, which integrates nonlinear control, robust control, and intelligent control, will be emphasized. A software toolkit will also be developed for the design, analysis, and simulation of intelligent flight control systems.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The flight control and navigation system to be developed in this project will be commercialized as a Universal Vehicle Navigation and Control device. This commercial product has wide potential applications to autonomous ground vehicles, underwater vehicles, unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and low orbit space vehicles.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Ching-Fang Lin
American GNC Corporation
9131 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth , CA 91311
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
American GNC Corporation
9131 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth , CA 91311
PROJECT TITLE: Mid-infrared avalanche photodiode arrays
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop the growth, fabrication, and testing procedures necessary to produce mid-infrared avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays. There is a requirement for detector arrays sensitive in the 1500 to 2200 nm wavelength range. Current mid-infrared detectors are typically PIN devices or photoconductors, depending on the wavelength region. Substantial improvements in sensitivity can be expected through the use of APDs, which can provide significant gain and, with cooled operation, can be used for photon counting. Avalanche photodiode arrays can be used for improved imaging or for fast acquisition of low-level spectroscopic data. With an APD array, not only the incidence of a single photon, but also its position can be measured. AstroPower has previously developed mid-infrared APDs using liquid-phase heteroepitaxy of lattice-matched InGaAsSb and AlGaAsSb on GaSb substrates. In the 1500 to 2200 nm wavelength range, these devices have shown substantial avalanche multiplication at room temperature. This Phase I project will optimize these mid-infrared APDs and integrate them into linear arrays. The Phase II program will develop two-dimensional arrays of these mid-infrared APDs.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
These mid-infrared APD arrays will be useful in airborne and space-based laser altimeter sensors as well as ground-based satellite laser ranging systems. Photodetectors operating in the mid-IR range also have large potential use in gas sensors since there are strong absorption bands due to water and many industrial gases in this range. These APDs will have a variety of commercial applications in air pollution monitoring, industrial process control, automobile emission monitoring, air traffic control, infrared spectroscopy and fiber optic communication.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Zane A. Shellenbarger
AstroPower, Inc.
Solar Park
Newark , DE 19716-2000
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
AstroPower, Inc.
Solar Park
Newark , DE 19716-2000
PROJECT TITLE: Low Cost Single Longitudinal Mode Nd:YAG Pulsed Oscillator for Atmospheric Measurements
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
CEO proposes to develop a low cost, high repetition rate, small, reliable and simple pulsed SLM laser oscillator of approximately 1 - 10 mJ/pulse of 1064 nm output at 100 - 1500 Hz. Such units are not readily available today and this unit is the key to developing a high energy per pulse 1064, 532, 355 and/or 266 nm (and other Nd:YAG wavelengths) SLM laser. This unit would be a standard building block to be used when greater pulse energies are desired.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The laser described in this document will be of considerable interest to many military/government and industrial consumers. On the military/government front, there are numerous tools, such as the Airborne Laser and various weather and non weather based lidar programs, that require a laser such as this that has high peak energy, high brightness, is very efficient and small/light-weight and low cost. In the industrial sector, a pulsed SLM laser would be quite useful for weather based applications, as an example. It promises to be low in cost, thus enabling many consumers to afford it. In the medical arena, there are applications for such system, and in this instance, compactness and high brightness are key features. In addition, the proposed laser would have applications for photographic and holographic systems.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Chan Kennedy
Cutting Edge Optronics, Inc.
20 Point West Blvd.
St. Charles , MO 63301
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Cutting Edge Optronics, Inc.
20 Point West Blvd.
St. Charles , MO 63301
PROJECT TITLE: Surface Leveling of Composite Mirror Membranes via Polymeric Vapor Deposition
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The goal of this SBIR is to develop ultralightweight, stable, large aperture optics that are suitable for submillimeter, infrared, visible, and LIDAR instruments. Phase I will demonstrate the application of a polymeric vapor deposition onto a graphite reinforced composite membrane to create a specular surface and mask fiber print-through. Recent vapor deposition of polymers (acrylate monomers) has successfully leveled micro-roughened surfaces of polymer film. If successful, this fabrication approach could significantly reduce the cost, delivery time, and weight of larger aperture mirrors for programs such as WIND LIDAR, NGST, and FIRST.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Space-based and airborne LIDAR systems, telescopes, radiometers, and communications satellites.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
David Sheikh
Composite Optics, Incorporated
9617 Distribution Avenue
San Diego , CA 92121
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Composite Optics, Incorporated
9617 Distribution Avenue
San Diego , CA 92121
PROJECT TITLE: Compact, Solid-State, Q-switched Laser Design
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The continued development of compact, efficient, and reliable lasers for altimetry and ranging is of special concern to NASA. In particular, reducing the power requirements, weight, and volume of these devices to enable their use on a wide variety of platforms is as critical as their optical performance. In the proposed effort, we intend to develop an innovative diode-laser-pumped, passively Q-switched, Nd:YLF laser to generate milli-Joule energy, <5 ns duration pulses at kilo-Hertz rates. The optical design is simple with a low component count, that is extremely compact and rugged. The pumping geometry is a high-brightness end-pumping design. The pump source may be fiber-coupled and remote from the laser head allowing for optimal placement of the pump source for heat removal and package integration. The passive Q-switching technique eliminates the need for either the high voltages or the RF power needed to drive active Q-switches, thereby enhancing system reliability. The proposed work is expected to demonstrate the feasibility of the diode-laser-pumped, passively Q-switched, Nd:YLF laser described above. This work would form the basis of a Phase II effort, to improve the output power and efficiency, develop engineered saturable absorbers, and build a prototype packaged laser system for evaluation by NASA and for further development for use in commercial applications.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed system technology has immediate applications in altimetry and ranging systems. Additionally, the core laser technology has applications that include aerosol lidar, laser marking, materials processing, imaging, and photo-resist/photo-plate exposure for the reprographics industry. The high peak powers allow for nonlinear conversion to other wavelengths and additional market coverage.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. David Welford
Q-Peak, Inc.
135 South Road
Bedford , MA 01730
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Q-Peak, Inc.
135 South Road
Bedford , MA 01730
PROJECT TITLE: An Indium Gallium Arsenide - Based Hyperspectral Imager for 0.4 - 2.5 µm
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Hyperspectral imaging is typically performed with multiple detector arrays. The arrays are combined with bandpass filters, allowing remote sensing of a single band. We propose to develop a hyperspectral imaging system, based on a single indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) focal plane array (FPA), capable of imaging the entire visible/near-infrared wavelength range from 0.4 µm to 2.5 µm. The system will feature spectral resolution < 10 nm, 640 pixel spatial resolution, low power dissipation, and modular construction. The core of the system will be a 640 x 512 element In.82Ga.18As FPA with a long wavelength cutoff of 2.6 µm. The InP substrate will be removed allowing sensitivity to wavelengths as short as 0.4 µm. Spectral dispersion will be achieved using a compact imaging spectrograph from SPECIM installed in a C-mount lens housing attached to our camera. Low power dissipation will be obtained by elevated operating temperature (greater than 250K) and innovative electronics. During Phase I, we will develop and deliver a prototype system based on lattice-matched InGaAs with a 1.7 µm cutoff wavelength. By the end of Phase I, we will have designed the full 0.4 µm to 2.5 µm imager to be optimized and delivered during Phase II.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
This program will bring a system to market for quality control applications in food processing, petroleum refining, satellite imaging, and artwork analysis. A potential market of over 10 million in the first two years, and over 100 million by year 5 is envisioned for this product.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Marshall J. Cohen
Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
3490 U.S. Route 1, Bldg. 12
Princeton , NJ 08540
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Sensors Unlimited, Inc.
3490 U.S. Route 1, Building 12
Princeton , NJ 08540
PROJECT TITLE: Proposal for a Spectral Image Fusion (SPIF) and Registration System for Hyperspectral and Thermal Data Cubes.
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Tri-Space, Inc. and its partner, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp (BATC) propose to design, develop, and test a prototype a system to automatically fuse and register remotely sensed data that differ spectrally, spatially, and temporally, and may also be collected from differing viewing angles or from differing platforms. The proposed product, the Spectral Image Fusor (SPIF), will fuse hyperspectral data sampled over the spectral range from 0.4 to 2.5 um with a thermal data cube covering the spectral band from 8 to 14 um and with ground based point measurements, where available. The proposed research will focus on autonomous atmospheric correction and geometric correction of coastal remote sensing data into a single geo-referenced coordinate system. Atmospheric and geometric correction are challenging for coastal environments because the ocean's albedo is low in the visible spectrum resulting in reduced signal strength for accurate atmospheric correction and because temporally fixed ground control points are frequently not available for geometric correction. Our innovative approach to these challenges relies on the iterative spectral and spatial feature matching. The results will benefit a wide variety of commercial remote sensing applications with GIS requirements for coastal monitoring and coastal change.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The goal of the proposed research is to prototype and build a Spectral Image Fusor (SPIF) to enable rapid and autonomous mapping for disaster assessment, pollution monitoring, wetlands monitoring, trafficability analyses, and other analyses of coastal regions. The prospective users of SPIF might be experts in GIS applications, land use managers, wetlands biologists, or remote sensing applications specialists.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
E. Ann Berman
Tri-Space, Inc.
8434 Weller Ave.
McLean , VA 22102
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Tri-Space, Inc.
P.O. Box 7166
McLean , VA 22106-7166
PROJECT TITLE: Fluorescence Lifetime Vertical Profiler
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The innovation is a vertical profiler capable of measuring in real time the structure of chlorophyll concentration and of phytoplankton photochemical efficiency in the water column. These are critical parameters for determination of ocean primary productivity from remote sensing of ocean color. Current profilers do not provide accurate biomass (because of fluorescence quantum yield variability), nor any information on photosynthetic status. The proposed profiler incorporates novel technology developed at Ciencia for photosynthetic analysis based on chlorophyll fluorescence lifetime measurements, and will be the first in situ system to incorporate this novel capability. Low ocean chlorophyll concentrations require a detection sensitivity of 0.1 ug/L. This presents a major challenge because to obtain accurate values of photosynthetic parameters the exciting light intensity must be kept very low to not disturb the photosynthetic system. To achieve this detection limit will require several innovations, which include development of a highly efficient optical design with an integrated flow-through sample interface, and a high-gain, low-noise detection system. Additionally, the system must incorporate provisions for self-calibration on the fly, and embedded intelligence for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis and communications. Finally, we have proposed an innovative packaging design to enable operation to depths (pressures) of 500 m.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The first product will be a vertical profiler for oceanographic use. This will be a compact, submersible unit. The market niches to which these products would be targeted include in situ assessment of phytoplankton for basic research and for environmental monitoring. Additional related products would be portable instruments for shipboard use and laboratory instrumentation. In addition to marine applications, the development of sensors is a high priority for agriculture. Economic, environmental and regulatory issues are putting pressure on farmers to manage their croplands more carefully by supplying fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and water at carefully controlled and variable rates. To accomplish this, sensors such as the ones proposed here will be needed that provide accurate information on the physiological status of the crops. High value crop farmers (e.g. California vineyards) are already experimenting with spectral analysis of crops to assess health in efforts to detect plant stress before it is visible to the naked eye. This is vital because replanting is costly about $20,000 per acre [Ref. 38]. For example. Rapid determination of freeze damage to citrus might assist with rapid harvest decisions and help stabilize prices. We expect that our proposed products would find ready acceptance in such applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Salvador M. Fernandez
Ciencia Inc.
111 Roberts Street, Suite K
East Hartford , CT 06108
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Ciencia, Inc.
111 Roberts Street, Suite K
East Hartford , CT 06108
PROJECT TITLE: Elevated Operational Temperature, Passively-Cooled Laser Diode Arrays for Spaceborne Sensors
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Laser diodes are critical to many lidar systems. They can be used by themselves or to pump solid state lasers to achieve higher pulse energies. However, conventional laser diodes are less efficient and less reliable when operated above room temperature. Moreover, diode chillers have unacceptable mass and power burdens for flight instruments. To address these issues, CTI and Polaroid have fabricated and tested innovative pilot-design emitters operating at >70°C for more that 109 shots. In Phase I/II the emitter results will be extended to spatially dense arrays (.1.3 J/cm2) that are optimized for passive conduction cooling, require little temperature regulation, operate >60°C at 780-795 nm, and produce >1 ms pulses with duty cycles >0.02. The technology is generalizable to other and wavelengths. To enhance the utility of these next-generation diodes, collaborate with the LaRC materials science group is anticipated to implement aerospace-class, ultra-light, high performance carbon composites into the laser diode mounts. In Phase II, high operational temperature laser diode arrays which are optimized for pumping solid state lasers will be coupled to an existing laser system. When the "hot" diode arrays are coupled to CTI’s expertise in turn-key flight worthy lidar systems, a new generation of commercial lidar products will be facilitated.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
High-reliability coherent detection and direct detection lidar systems with lower cost, reduced weight and reduced size.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Duane Smith
Research & Development
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette , CO 80026
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Coherent Technologies, Inc.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette , CO 80026
PROJECT TITLE: Efficient Wideband 2 Micron Coherent Lidar
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Lidar system efficiency is a critical factor in sensor performance. Furthermore, high-speed or targets can produce substantial Doppler shifts (6 to 7 GHz at 2 mm for a typical spaceborne global wind monitoring scenario). These Doppler shifts exceed current state-of-the-art 2 mm detector technology. A common proposed technique for coping with these large Doppler shifts is to utilize an offset-locked optical local oscillator. However, this approach is complex and may not be needed if high-efficiency wideband photoreceivers can be developed. In this Phase I/II effort we propose to develop high-efficiency wideband (~ 7 GHz) 2 mm heterodyne receiver technologies. To achieve the bandwidth goal, detector quantum efficiency (QE) may be compromised. We propose to recover much of this and other receiver-train losses using an optical preamplifier. For high QE detectors the amplifier would not be beneficial. Instead, efficiency gains will be achieved via the deployment of a dual-port balanced heterodyne receiver. The Phase I program will carry out a combined analysis and laboratory demonstration program to establish optimal and realizable receiver configurations applicable across a broad range of measurement scenarios. The Phase I/II program will significantly advance the coherent laser radar state-of-the-art and will result in commercial products with improved performance and lower power consumption.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The high efficiency aspect of this technology development will result in substantial reductions in sensor size, weight and power consumption for virtually all coherent laser radar applications such as ground-based wind sensing, aircraft wake-vortex monitoring, hard target vibration sensing and coherent DIAL. Wideband coherent laser radar applications such as spaceborne global wind monitoring, high speed civil transport clear-air turbulence sensing, long-range high-speed target identification and tracking will also benefit significantly from this technology.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Philip Gatt
Research & Development
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette , CO 80026
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Coherent Technologies, Inc.
655 Aspen Ridge Drive
Lafayette , CO 80026
PROJECT TITLE: Solid-State, Ultra-high Resolution Filters for Wind Measurements (SSURF-Wind)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This initiative designs and fabricates robust, solid state, ultra-high spectral resolution filters, for use at 1064 nm and 355 nm as a lidar receiver with doppler capability. The two systems are similar, except for pre-filtering and dispersive element coatings, and provide spectral resolutions of better than 100 MHz at 1064 nm and better than 1 GHz at 355 nm. The methodology utilizes Fabry-Perot etalons with refreactive index variability provided by nematic liquid crystal control. The fully developed, twin etalon systems to be supplied in Phase II are based upon the design and fabrication of a single, high spectral resolution etalon with 3 cm gap spacing in Phase I (for the 1064 nm system), and upon fabrication of a 335 nm - 400 nm relflective dielectric coating (for the 355 nm system). Scientific Solutions Inc. (SSI) has pioneered and demonstrated liquid crystal Fabry-Perot (LC-FP) etalons with smaller gaps and lower spectral resolution than this application. As such, this project innovates a demonstrated technology for ultra-high resolutions specifically appropriate for daytime doppler lidar applications. These LC-FP filters feature electronic tunability, vibration and radiation insensitivity, high throughput, and light weight design that are unmatched by any other current technology in a single unit.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
An LC etalon is a single, lightweight unit, nearly impervious to vibration or shock. As such it is an ideal component for chemical imaging or spectroscopy systems for use in space or other hostile environments In addition, electronic spectral tunability of four etalons simultaneously is accomplished with very little power ( less than 200 mA at 12 V) and no moving parts. The capabilities and of the filter systems we provide are thus well adapted to NASA requirements for smaller, lighter systems for on-orbit, airborne, or sub-orbital platforms. The proposed tunable filters are ideally suited to narrow band isolation required in LIDAR and general laser applications. Beyond that, numerous commercial concerns express interest in tunable filtering. Environmental and related applications can benefit from the ability to remotely identify chemical cloud composition and to precisely determine location and abundance of toxic chemicals. Both the textile and paper industries have communicated interest in robust, easily tunable filters for the purpose of monitoring product uniformity.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Bill Schneller
Scientific Solutions Inc.
22 High Street
Medford , Ma 02155
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Scientific Solutions Inc.
22 High street
Medford , Ma 02155
PROJECT TITLE: Silicon Bench Packaging of Fiber Coupled Narrow Linewidth 850 nm Master Oscillator Power Amplifier
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Peter Heim
,
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Quantum Photonics, Inc.
P.O. Box 49
College Park , MD 20741-0049
PROJECT TITLE: IMPROVED UV GENERATION IN NLO CRYSTALS
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The outputs of high-peak-power laser systems are regularly shifted towards the ultraviolet (UV) using nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. Beta barium borate (BBO), widely integrated into current laser systems, is the primary NLO material for UV generation. Unfortunately, full utilization of BBO (and other crystals) in the UV is restricted by intensity dependent absorption (IDA), laser damage thresholds (limited by surface finishing/AR coating technology), and failure to optimize the 3-wave mixing process. Typical 266nm IDA losses and damage thresholds are 0.25cm-1 (at 50MW/cm2) and 100-200MW/cm2, respectively. These severely restrict the conversion efficiency which can be reliably obtained. For a given performance target, reduced conversion efficiency significantly increases the size, weight and/or power requirements of the laser system. Measurements of the IDA of conventional and growth modified BBO, have been conducted along with EPR, photoluminescence, and mass spectrometry tests identifing possible extrinsic factors. The performance of bare and enhanced AR-coated BBO was measured. This information provides the basis for a Phase I program to minimize the causes of IDA and to improve the damage threshold and conversion efficiency of BBO and related crystals for optimized UV generation.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
BBO is the NLO material of choice for generating UV radiation from a wide range of high-peak-power laser systems. These systems use harmonic conversion and/or parametric generation to produce UV suitable for many applications of lasers in the fields of remote laser induced emission spectroscopy, lidar, medicine, photochemistry, materials processing, and nonlinear optics. BBO optimized for UV applications would find a wide range of uses in both government and commercial laser systems. The Government would benefit from the broader development base and economies of scale.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Gary C. Catella
Cleveland Crystals, Inc.
676 Alpha Dr.
Cleveland , OH 44143
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Cleveland Crystals, Inc.
19306 Redwood Ave.
Cleveland , OH 44110
PROJECT TITLE: A Highly Efficient Diode-Pumped Laser
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose to construct and test a highly efficient diode-pumped Nd:YLF laser based on the novel design of a conductively cooled prismatic pumping cavity with direct side-pumping of the active rod element. We believe that the use of this advanced prismatic pumping cavity will allow us to achieve highly efficient operation (as compared with currently used pump cavity designs) in CW as well as in quasi-CW regimes and at the same time provide efficient conductive cooling of the Nd:YLF rod. This study will provide the means for construction of a compact efficient laser source with output average power scalable up to 150 W in TEMoo mode or up to 250 W in multimode regime. We estimate the real efficiency of the laser to be on the order of 45-50%.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial applications for high-average-power (cw and pulsed) lasers include materials processing such as welding and soldering, drilling, trimming, etc. Lidar applications, where high energy per pulse is desirable, are also possible.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Kevin F. Wall
Q-Peak, Inc.
135 South Road
Bedford , MA 01730
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Q-Peak, Inc.
135 South Road
Bedford , MA 01730
PROJECT TITLE: Zenith Viewing Spectroradiometer for O3, SO2, NO2, Aerosol Optical Depths and UltraViolet Spectral Radiances (7008-490)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A zenith viewing spectroradiometer aircraft instrument is proposed for tropospheric profile measurements of O3, NO2, and SO2, aerosol optical depths and UV spectral radiances from differential column amounts measured as functions of aircraft altitude. The basic instrument consists of a temperature insensitive 0.125 m tandem Ebert-Fastie double monochromator scanning the wavelength range of 290 to 445 nm, 0.3 nm bandpass, which uses a Hamamatsu photon counting system as a detector. A nine-channel spectroradiometer uses nine narrow band ultrastable interference filters fabricated with the ion-assisted-deposition process for the wavelength range of 305 to 442 nm. The multifilter spectroradiometer is also used as a calibration transfer standard spectroradiometer for the scanning Ebert-Fastie double monochromator. A scanning linear variable filter (LVF) spectroradiometer operating in the range 300 to 400 nm will be evaluated as a low-cost lightweight alternative to the scanning double monochromator. The LVF was also fabricated with the IAD process by Barr Associates. A major objective of the proposed effort is to validate the accuracy of the zenith measurements of column amounts and aerosol optical depths against the conventional Langley type direct sun measurements.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The potential commercial applications of this proposed aircraft instrument are for providing a validation of tropospheric ozone and aerosols, SO2 and NO2 in areas of regional pollution for validation of satellite overpass measurements over various types of land surfaces. It also has applications as a regional pollution monitoring instrument if good linear variable filters can be fabricated using the IAD process. Other commercial applications are its use as a calibrator transfer standard spectroradiometer for surface radiation monitoring instruments in the field.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Donald Heath
Reserach Support Instruments
5500 Central Ave., Suite 202
Boulder , CO 80301
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Research Support Instruments
4325B Forbes Blvd.
Lanham , MD 20706
PROJECT TITLE: Ultrahigh Dynamic Range, High-Speed A/D Converter for Laser Ranging and Remote Monitoring
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this proposal, we describe a breakthrough for extending the dynamic range of a high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) by as much as several orders of magnitude com-pared to existing technology. One of the major challenges and critical needs in high-speed digitization is maximizing the dynamic range of detection, defined as the measurable range spanning the limit of weak to strong signal. The proposed method is based on an algorithm for a programmable signal processing that enables a transient digitizer to operate in a pulse counting mode simultaneous with detection of strong signal. Moreover the proposed pulse counting mode overcomes the problem of conventional binary pulse counters, which cannot distinguish multiple hits from single hits. For NASA requirements in LIDAR and laser range finding applications, this new technology can lead to more than an order of magni-tude greater range without any other changes in hardware. For airborne remote sensing, the proposed technology provides greatly increased capability as well as enabling more compact design and a reduced cost.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed technology is a general purpose, high dynamic range digitizer that has many dual-use applications, such as laser range finding, time-resolved imaging, time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and high-speed waveform recording. The laser rangefinding applications include: (1) atmospheric and ecosystem monitoring (including space platforms), (2) pollution monitoring by detecting toxic and hazardous emissions, (3) plume tracking of industrial releases or rocket launches, (4) surveillance and night-time imaging and range finding, (5) landscape imaging and profiling. The only alternative to the proposed technology is the costly and operationally cumbersome method of employing two independent data acquisition systems, one based on a fast ADC and another based on pulse counting using a multichannel scaler (MCS). Syagen has developed a marketing, product development and capitalization plan for commercializing the results of this SBIR technology. Syagen has already obtained customer interest from the DOD, mass spectrometry industry and the research community. One of Syagen's core businesses is the development of innovative mass spectrometers based on time-of-flight for which this technology will also be applied.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Jack A. Syage
Syagen Technology, Inc.
1411 Warner Avenue
Tustin , CA 92780
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Syagen Technology, Inc.
1411 Warner Avenue
Tustin , CA 92780
PROJECT TITLE: Novel and Efficient Calibration Lamps (7168-500)
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In-flight calibration of optical instrumentation on spaceborne platforms is essential to provide accurate Earth Resources/Energy Budget trends. This critical need exists for a variety of applications including imaging radiometers. There is a need to develop miniature, efficient lamps that can provide these calibrations during flights to assure that the responsitivity of the optical instruments is not drifting. For many imaging applications one needs to know the spatial dependance of the responsivity of the detector. Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a unique calibration source that will provide a spectrally continuous (400 to 800 nm), constant, flat field output for imaging detectors. Our calibration source is based on a recent development in intense light emitting diodes (LED). In Phase I we will demonstrate the feasibility of using miniature LEDs as calibration sources and also couple the LEDs and an Hg lamp to a non-imaging projector to produce a flat field lamp for calibration of imaging and array detectors.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The proposed program will produce a new series of miniature calibration sources that can be applied to variety of important commercial applications including: space and airborne sensors, monitors for process control, and environmental monitoring. The lamps will provide full spatial field spectral calibrations for most existing and future spectrometers.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Steven J. Davis
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Methuen , MA 01810
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover , MA 01810-1077
PROJECT TITLE: Multi-Mega-pixel CMOS Camera-on-a-chip
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal is to develop a multi-Mega-pixel camera-on-a-chip usingstandard 0.3-micron complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology to process the chip on an 8-inch wafer. The camera-on-a-chip is a multi-Mega-pixel active-pixel array containing substantially more on-chip processing electronics then the current charge-coupled-device (CCD) arrays, aimed at high-resolution imaging applications. The proposed camera-on-a-chip contains the following on-chip signal processing electronics using standard CMOS cells for implementation: a 2,000 x 1,300 array of photogates for imaging, a floating diffusion for temporary storage of photo-charges, an antiblooming circuit for reducing cross-talk at high illumination, vertical and horizontal decoders with clock generators for random-access readout, a correlated-double-sampler circuit for noise reduction, an input circuit for integration time control and an A/D converter for on-chip digitization. Phase 1 will identify current limitations and capabilities of on-chip circuits in current CMOS arrays and design a camera-on-a-chip with more signal processing circuits, including an A/D converter. Phase 2 will fabricate and test the multi-Mega-pixel camera-on-a-chip. Phase 3 will productize the camera as a sellable product to commercial customers.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Multi-Mega-pixel CMOS Camera for: Scientific imaging, medical imaging, professional photography and high definition TV.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
John Burge
West Coast Research Corporation
1527 26th Street
Santa Monica , CA 90404
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
West Coast Research Corporation
1527 26th Street
Santa Monica , CA 90404-3507
PROJECT TITLE: Physics-based atmospheric corrections to hyperspectral imagery
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This project addresses the development of novel atmospheric retrieval and corrections methodology for air- or space-borne hyperspectral imaging that is based on a robust physical propagation model. Atmospheric retrieval is a classical inverse problem that we cast as a global optimization problem. The differences between the model computation and the sensor measurements define an error function in the parameter space that will be minimized using a novel global optimization paradigm developed by the proposal team and recently published in Science Journal. Moreover, sensor measurement uncertainties and model parameter uncertainties are incorporated using sensitivity matrices, in order to achieve a consistent overall reduction in uncertainties, to identify the most plausible solution and define probabilities. NASA"s Atmospheric Emission Spectrometer and AVIRIS flight data will be used for the algorithm development and testing. The Modtran atmospheric propagation model will be numerically enhanced to compute gradients with respect to the atmospheric variables to improve computational efficiency. The gradient enhanced code is utilized for an efficient solution of the inverse problem.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
New remote sensing applications appear each day. Hyperspectral imaging allows now performing precision detection from air- or space-borne platforms. To fully exploit such measurements, errors due to atmospheric interference must be removed. Lack of independent measurements of the atmosphere"s local parameters does not allow for effective solution. The proposed approach will be used to improve image exploitation for all users of hyperspectral imaging including agriculture and precision farming, detection of pollutants, etc. OKSI is working with potential customers and end-users in the precision farming area that have expressed interested in the technology.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Nahum Gat
Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI)
4030 Spencer St., Suite 108
Torrance , CA 90503-2442
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Opto-Knowledge Systems, Inc. (OKSI)
4030 Spencer St. Suite 108
Torrance , CA 90503-2442
PROJECT TITLE: A 3D Radiative-Transfer Hyperspectral Image Simulator for Algorithm Validation
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The quality of retrieved surface spectral reflectance from hyperspectral imagery depends critically on the accuracy of the atmospheric compensation and surface retrieval algorithms. This proposal addresses the need for an accurate, robust, and efficient means for algorithm validation. The use of field measurements for algorithm validation is expensive, time-consuming, and it is very difficult to provide full and accurate supporting ground truth data for the surface and atmospheric properties. We propose to develop high model fidelity hyperspectral image simulation software based on a Direct Simulation Monte Carlo approach for modeling 3D atmospheric radiative transport as well as 2D spatially inhomogeneous surfaces including Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function effects. The computed hypercubes can serve both as a substitute for and also as a supplement to field validation data. The approach is capable of treating both land and ocean surfaces and the effects of finite clouds with surface shadowing. The Phase I technical objectives are (1) model development and implementation, (2) hyperspectral image simulation, and (3) analysis and algorithm validation. In Phase II a fully generalized approach will be implemented based on a parallel processing PC architecture.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The commercial product is the computed hypercubes, which are intended for algorithm development and validation for the multitude of hyperspectral and multi-spectral satellite and aircraft sensors under development by DoD, NASA, and commercial companies. These sensors span a diverse range of applications such as target detection and identification, precision agriculture, mineral exploration, forest management, ocean resource mapping, and surface pollution detection. There is also potential application to climatological research on atmospheric radiation budget assessment via coupled analyses of ground, aircraft, and satellite based sensor data.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Lawrence S. Bernstein
Spectral Sciences, Inc.
99 South Bedford St. #7
Burlington , MA 01803-5169
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Spectral Sciences, Inc.
99 South Bedford St. #7
Burlington , MA 01803-5169
PROJECT TITLE: Plant Stress Management Program
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This innovation is a comprehensive and systematic plant stress management program incorporating remotely sensed plant stress technology. The program, using the knowledge that lack of chlorophyll in plants indicates plant stress while incorporating GPS data collection capabilities, defines and demonstrates to the farmer how and why he/she will benefit and adopt this technology in the future.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The development of this innovation will enhance:- Precision Agriculture - Horticulture - Agricultural research - Environmental issues
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
John E. Williams
Global Positioning Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 89
Inverness , MS 38753
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Global Positioning Solutions, Inc.
P.O. Box 89
Inverness , MS 38753
PROJECT TITLE: Distributed Tools for Mining Remotely Sensed Data
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
There is rapid growth in the amount of remotely sensed (RS) image data. All future NASA and commercial remote sensing projects will have to deal with databases of unprecedent size and complexity. Providing an effective information link between these vast data repositories and the end user is the main obstacle to building a mass market. We propose to develop GeoBrowse, an integrated prototype for interpretation, management and mining of RS data. Key innovations are: 1) support for highly distributed data visualization, analysis, archive and access functions across platforms and the Internet; 2) linking of images, and time series of images, from a variety of RS sensors with intuitive analysis, statistical modeling and prediction tools; 3) support for content-based queries, based on one or more physically relevant database attributes; 4) statistical database management functions to address database scalability, organize or cluster database attributes, visualize hidden trends and associations among attributes, and enable intelligent data mining on a regional scale. Integration of these functions over a distributed network will benefit both end user and provider. The former will access a sophisticated analysis package without purchasing it. The latter will provide a highly competitive and diversified service with superior data mining tools.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
We propose the creation of an image database with linked analysis and visualization capabilities whose functionality is accessible from the world wide web. This allows for the utility of remotely sensed data to be extended into communities that otherwise would not have the infrastructure and knowledge to benefit from NASA"s MTPE vast data resources. The commercial opportunities potentially lead to a broad range of users from application areas such as precision crop monitoring, forestry, transportation, land development and real estate, mineral exploration, and the environment. The underlying technology is readily usable in other application areas including medical imaging, commercial data mining and multi-media applications. The research will also make substantial contributions to MathSoft"s core products on data mining.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Giovanni B. Marchisio
MathSoft, Inc. Data Analysis Product Div
1700 Westlake Ave. N. Suite 500
Seattle , wa 98109
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
MathSoft, Inc. Data Analysis Product Div
1700 Westlake Ave. N. Suite 500
Seattle , WA 98109
PROJECT TITLE: A Heterojunction Solid-state Humidity Sensor for Probing Atmospheric Moisture
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Current meteorological humidity sensors suffer from a range of limitations. At high altitudes (with low pressures and temperatures) they are inaccurate, slow to respond to changes in humidity, and yield data with poor vertical resolution. They are also slow to recover after exposure to liquid water, as encountered on passing through a cloud. All of those factors combine to degrade data quality, and the quality of all derivative products, such as forecasts. Heterocontact sensors are proposed as a solution to this problem. These sensors offer a wide response range (up to six orders of magnitude) for accurate determination of humidity under a wider range of conditions. As solid state devices, they have a faster response time than current sensors. The advantages that these sensors offer can be further extended by including additional features in the sensors themselves, such as the use of dopants to fine tune the conductivity of the semiconducting elements and the addition of catalytic sites at the interface to improve the kinetics of the water electrolysis process, which is the key to the sensors functioning. Prototype sensors will be fabricated and their performance will be tested by evaluating sensitivity as a function of temperature and relative humidity.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
A huge commercial market exists at present for humidity sensors in applications including atmospheric and climate research, industrial processes such as polymer processing industries, the furniture industry, printing and paint industries, paper mills, the tobacco industry, the textile industry, humidity control systems in air conditioners, dryers, microwave ovens, refrigerators, computer rooms, hospitals, cleaning rooms, agricultural soil water content measurement, greenhouse, film processing, monitoring moisture in concrete and composite materials, and other electrical appliances. The proposed sensor, being both smaller and more responsive than current models, will have a wide range of potential applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Alan J. Cisar
Lynntech, Inc.
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202
College Station , TX 77840
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Lynntech, Inc.
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202
College Station , TX 77840-4042
PROJECT TITLE: An Ultra-Wide Intensity Range Radiometric Standard
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this project, we will utilize the exponential dependence on voltage of the light output of a light emitting diode (LED). This characteristic will allow over 6 orders of magnitude change in intensity with better than 1% accuracy, when driven by the output of an digital-to-analog converter (DAC) of 16 bits resolution or better, such as is used in modern audio equipment. The work will emphasize experiments to precisely measure the temperature dependence of both the prefactor and exponential constant (i.e., the ideality factor) in the diode equation describing the LED's light output; to demonstrate the ability to measure the junction temperature based on the measured exponential constant of the device; and to establish the limits to the range of accurate exponential behavior. The experiments will utilize commercially available LEDs of both conventional PN junction design, and those based on heterostructures. The LED types studied will include high efficiency blue, green, and red -emitting LEDs (heterostructure devices), GaP LEDs (junction devices emitting in the red), and near-infrared LEDs.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Areas of commercial application include use of well calibrated LEDs as radiometric standards in a laboratory setting; as a built-in sensitometry calibrator for cameras used in precision photography or remote sensing; and as a built-in test source for charge coupled device -based video and still photography.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Paul L. Kebabian
Aerodyne Research, Inc.
45 Manning Road
Billerica , MA 01821-3976
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Aerodyne Research, Inc.
45 Manning Road
Billerica , MA 01821-3976
PROJECT TITLE: Addressing Critical Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar Challenges
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Vexcel Corporation proposes to directly address several of the most critical and challenging problems limiting the utility and use of repeat-pass interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (IFSAR). The proposed solutions to these challenges range from new processing algorithms, to new uses for existing or soon-to-exist data, to entirely new measurements which may become extremely valuable for IFSAR calibration. Specifically we address the problems of coherence limitations, accurate determination of interferometric baselines, and atmospheric artifacts. With respect to coherence and phase unwrapping, Vexcel will develop a new techniques to correct coherence and phase calculations for local terrain slopes thereby reducing phase noise and achieving improved interferograms that may be more easily unwrapped. For baseline determination, Vexcel will investigate the issues associated with using Shuttle Radar Terrain Mapping (SRTM) data to achieve automatic ground control point generation. Finally, Vexcel will investigate using radar and other remote sensing techniques adopted from the meteorological community for providing data that will be useful for interpreting atmospheric effects within interferometric SAR data. We expect the results from this SBIR will significantly improve the utility of interferometric data, and facilitate the development of new ideas, possibly from fields other than SAR, for improving IFSAR data products.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The results of the Phase II effort will be directly applicable to Vexcel Corporation's interferometric SAR processing system, which is currently one of the few commercially available IFSAR processing systems in the world. Ease of use, increased reliability and automation will contribute to increased sales. In addition, the results from this SBIR work will have direct application into the NASA science community. The challenges addressed and their solutions will be applicable to data from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topographic Mapping mission, as well as other spaceborne SAR sensors such as Radarsat, ERS, and JERS, and most importantly from future sensors such as LightSAR, Envisat and Radarsat-2. The ability to produce improved data products will also greatly increase the utility and demand for IFSAR products, thus reducing the cost of production of higher level data products, and enabling increased commercial data production and sales
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Richard Carande
Vexcel Corporation
4909 Nautilus Court
Boulder , CO 80301
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Vexcel Corporation
4909 Nautilus Court
Boulder , CO 80301
PROJECT TITLE: Flexible, High Bandwith Phased-array Antenna
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NASA is interested in fielding a sophisticated spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for a variety of imaging missions, but historically such systems have proven unaffordable due largely to radar instrument cost, system mass and volume, and associated launch costs. ITN believes that producing a lightweight, cost-effective SAR requires revolutionary approaches and, therefore, we propose a totally new SAR concept, consisting of a flexible antenna blanket with intrinsic structure, thermal control, power and RF distribution functionality. This Multifunctional Structure offers an elegant solution for SAR missions. As with all new ideas, this concept presents an element of technical risk; however, this risk is offset by its high payoff, making our concept perfectly suited for investigation under NASA"s SBIR program.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
As a technology commercialization company, ITN"s mission is to take its new developments to production, whether production is at ITN or by a technology licensee. The focus of this SBIR is developing an MFS blanket specifically for SAR. For an MFS-based SAR system, ITN envisions fabricating the 5 m x 1 m MFS substrates in-house. Our SBIR partner, GE CR&D, would manufacture populated flex-circuits. Due to the high-value of the MCM flex-circuits, GE CR&D would probably integrate the flex-circuits onto the composite substrates, then deliver the integrated subarrays to the spacecraft system prime contractor. This concept also has significant potential for commercial communications satellites (ComSat). Many future ComSat designs are considering phased-array antennas, and mass and volume savings can be directly related to increased payload and revenue stream.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Robert R. Hanson
ITN Energy systems, Inc.
12401 West 49th Avenue
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
12401 West 49th Avenue
Wheat Ridge , CO 80033
PROJECT TITLE: GaAs Planar Varactor Multipliers for Radiometer Applications
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose to design frequency multipliers with output frequencies at 118 GHz, 183 GHz, and 380 GHz. Highly sensitive radiometers operating in the millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave regime require low noise local oscillators (LO). An ideal LO source exhibits low noise, high output power and efficiency, large bandwidth, high tolerance to mechanical and thermal stress, low mass, and low cost. The source would also ideally be compact and reliable. Most successful frequency multipliers have been either narrow band or highly inefficient and most multipliers employ various mechanical tuners that must be carefully adjusted to optimize the multiplier performance at a given frequency.Virginia Millimeter Wave is uniquely qualified to design and build frequency multipliers that are tuner-less and yet exhibit all of the desirable qualities listed earlier. Our multipliers are based on the earlier work of Dr. David Porterfield, the principal investigator for this proposal. Dr. Porterfield has developed a proven 40/80 GHz frequency doubler that exhibits 50% efficiency at an output power of 100 mW, and a 17% fixed-tuned bandwidth. He has also developed an 80/160 GHz multiplier with a 15% fixed-tuned bandwidth and greater than 2 mW output power over the entire 144-180 GHz band.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Millimeter-wave and submillimeter-wave sources are used primarily as local oscillators in heterodyne radiometers for remote sensing, atmospheric physics, and radio astronomy. They also find application in spectroscopy, imaging, compact radar, collision avoidance radar, and a wide range of laboratory bench functions. Although there are many atmospheric absorption bands above 50 GHz, there are also a large number of low-loss "windows" in this regime that may ultimately become important for the telecommunications industry. The absorption bands may also be useful for telecommunications in the specific areas of wireless local area networks (LAN) and short-range secure links.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
David Porterfield
Virginia Millimeter Wave
706 Forest St., Suite D
Charlottesville , VA 22903
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Virginia Millimeter Wave
706 Forest St., Suite D
Charlottesville , VA 22903
PROJECT TITLE: Preformed Thin-Film Mirrors and Inflatable Support Structures with Integrated Active Control
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Thin-film mirrors with inflatable support structures that incorporate piezoelectric materials for active control will be developed, evaluated, and integrated to provide increased precision in large deployable space systems. This structural shape control approach incorporates: (1) active control of a preformed parabolic mirror/reflector piezoelectric film with an electron gun; (2) active control of an inflated support structure with distributed electrodes; and (3) control algorithms that actuate support structure elements and reflector film segments in unison to compensate for the space thermal environment and dynamics of spacecraft and instrument pointing. Shape control of both pure inflatable and inflation-deployed foam-rigidized structure designs will be compared. Concept feasibility will be evaluated by design analysis and fabrication and testing of prototypes of critical components. Doubly curved support structure torus and strut elements and reflector film segments will be formed from widely available piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and newly available space-tolerant piezoelectric polyimide flat sheet material, then tested and compared.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
User needs can be met for large-scale low-cost 50+ meter lightweight deployable precision spacecraft and instrument thin-film structures and active control reflectors. Applications include next generation telescopes, large antennas, microwave concentrators, and electrical power generation in space.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Rodney Bradford
United Applied Technologies, Inc.
11506 Gilleland Road
Huntsville , AL 35803
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
United Applied Technologies, Inc.
11506 Gilleland Road
Huntsville , AL 35803
PROJECT TITLE: Cryogenic magnetostrictive actuator materials
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The potential for the use of magnetostrictive materials for a variety of applications from adaptive optics, robotics and automation, actuators, and linear motors is great. Several cryogenic magnetostrictive materials have been discovered recently that demonstrates high saturation strains and excellent mechanical properties. These materials are alloys of terbium and dysprosium with zinc (TbDyZn). Currently these materials are fabricated in small, single crystal, and by an expensive process that often requires frequent reformations do to mismatches in the material melting and boiling temperatures. In order to realize the potential of these materials for their applications their costs must be decreased and they must become widely available. The focus of this research effort proposed herein is to develop compounds of alloying materials that more closely match each other and thereby eliminate a time consuming and costly stage in their formation process. The result of this will work will provide a low-cost scalable manufacturing process for these alloys allowing their distribution as a usable magnetostrictive material useful for the applications shown above.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
If successful this project will make low-cost cryogenic magnetostrictive materials available to applications developers. These types of actuators can be used for precise positioning systems such as used in optical systems, semi-conductor fabrication, acoustic control, valves, and pump applications.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Chad H. Joshi
Energen, Inc.
17D Sterling Road
Billerica , MA 01862-2518
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Energen, Inc.
17D Sterling Road
Billerica , MA 01862-2518
PROJECT TITLE: Virtual Satellite Platform
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
tHC proposes a virtual satellite (VirtualSat) platform environment. In this environment, enhanced functionality and autonomy of navigation, guidance and control systems is provided by a virtual satellite simulating its dynamic behavior. Within this virtual environment, it shall be possible to execute any associated software that would benefit from the knowledge of and possible interaction with the virtual satellite for advanced software architectures and formation flying control development. This provides an environment where flight software can be developed, verified and validated. This environment shall be independent of the flight hardware that will eventually host the flight software. This independence shall encompass the specific hardware implementation and its availability. The independence allows flight software to be developed in parallel with the flight hardware or even before the flight hardware. The flight software coded in C/C++ shall be compilable and loadable into the VirtualSat and will not require any special modifications. Therefore, VirtualSat provides an innovative, low cost testbed development capability for multiple spacecraft control for master/slave strategies.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Any organization both large and small will be able to benefit from this virtual satellite environment. Its generic capabilities allow it to be used to in-expensively verify control system designs, control system software, and overall satellite performance. Through the use of OOD technology a satellite can be constructed starting with simple generic sensors and actuators. This simulation models an ideal and becomes a generic truth model for further development of the satellite. As the design progresses, specific sensor and actuator models replace the generic design. The simulation then models the specifics. The virtual satellite can be used as a test platform for flight s/w or as a core element for visualizing the performance of the satellite. A key aspect of VirtualSat will be its OOD. Modeling elements shall be intelligent, allowing generic as well as specific satellite implementations to be simulated. The VirtualSat environment is a useful tool for systems designers, analysts and software engineers.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Stephan R. Hammers
the Hammers Company, Inc.
7474 Greenway Center Drive, Ste #710
Greenbelt , MD 20770
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
the Hammers Company, Inc.
7474 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 710
Greenbelt , MD 20770
PROJECT TITLE: High performance Micromachined Inertial Navigation Unit
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The inertial navigation systems of today are large, heavy, expensive, power consumptive, precision instruments affordable only in high-end systems and platforms. Inertial navigation on a chip will create new capabilities, make high-end functionality affordable to low-end systems, and extend the operational performance and lifetimes of existing platforms. Micromachined inertial navigation or measurement unit (IMU) on a chip is proposed, which are composed of microaccelerometers and microgyroscopes. Top-Vu's innovation and high-payoff approach is to integrate the micromachined IMU?s and very large scale integration (VLSI) electronics on a gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrate. The electronics will be implemented using GaAs complementary heterostructure field effect transistor (CHFET) technology. The objective of this project is to develop gallium arsenide (GaAs) based micromachined inertial measurement unit with GaAs electronics for future inertial navigation systems. The Phase I technical objectives (and anticipated results) include three key technical tasks: 1) inertial measurement unit design, 2) process integration, and 3) readout electronics.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The anticipated benefits include order-of-magnitude performance improvements, compared to silicon technology and others, and new applications where silicon fails to meet system requirements. These system requirements include low noise, high speed sensing response, low power, high radiation hardness, low temperature, high temperature, and optical integration. Commercialization is projected with high performance micromachined inertial measurement chips for future inertial navigation systems. Potential commercial applications abound in the aerospace, medical, marine, transportation, military, and automotive industries. The applications for this sensor fall into four categories: control, instrumentation, stabilization, and navigation. Top-Vu will generate a GaAs CHFET cell library readily applicable to high performance sensors, micromachines, signal processors and data acquisition systems for commercial industries. Our goal is to integrate these GaAs IMU?s with our other GaAs microsensors being developed to create powerful next generation microsensor systems. Top-Vu has received commercialization support from Minnesota Defense Consortium and others.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Tho T. Vu
Top-Vu Technology, Inc.
2650 - 14th Street N.W.
St.Paul , MN 55112-6348
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Top-Vu Technology, Inc.
2650 - 14th Street N.W.
St. Paul , MN 55112-6348
PROJECT TITLE: Levitated Segmented Mirror Array
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project will establish the feasibility of a radically different approach to construction of high precision large aperture mirrors in space. The concept is based on a deployable phased array mirror system that will meet or exceed the most demanding requirements for NGST. The most remarkable aspect of this innovative approach is that the entire array is held captive in a controlled grid of local magnetic fields such that the segmented primary is virtually free floating, and thus free from mechanical and thermal distortions. In Phase I we propose to develop the necessary actuators, sensors, and control methodologies to demonstrate the ability to phase match an array of magnetically levitated mirror segments in an Earth based laboratory at room temperature environment. In Phase II this research will continue with the actual fabrication, integration, and testing of an array of up to seven hexagonal mirror segments. This research is designed to demonstrate the high degree of mechanical and thermal isolation between reaction structure and segmented mirror array, thereby allowing one to consider extremely low mass mirror substrates for a variety of applications. Follow-on research would entail upgrading the Phase II testbed for cryogenic environments.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial applications include ultra-high resolution ground based testing of low mass optical mirrors, vibration isolation platforms, and commercial space based laser communications satellites.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Gregory H. Ames
Blue Line Engineering Company
711 S. Tejon, Suite 202B
Colorado Springs , CO 80903
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Blue Line Engineering, Co.
711 S. Tejon, Suite 202B
Colorado Springs , CO 80903
PROJECT TITLE: Cryogenic Fine-Steering Mirror
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovations are major improvements to existing fine-steering mirror (FSM) actuator and suspension technology for NASA cryogenic applications such as NGST. Mass of the FSM mechanism is reduced by up to 50%. Simultaneous improvements in power consumption and lateral load capability are also featured. The addition of splits in the magnets to allow full radial mirror ribs provides greater mirror rigidity with less material, allowing the power-efficient loop actuator to be used on mirrors of this size. Innovation #2 is the use of a new flexure configuration with more travel and increased load capability that is simpler to fabricate and assemble and attaches to the mirror backplate, not the skin or ribs, for less distortion with a thinner skin. The result is reduced mass and improved surface figure, acceleration, and power with simpler flexure parts requiring less assembly time and fixturing, thereby also reducing cost. Benefits for GSFC?s NGST program are: reduced cost, lower mass, actuator dissipation of only a few uW at 40K, and launch without mechanical caging for increased reliability. Additional benefits for other space-based applications include: extended travel, chopping can be performed at higher frequencies, at larger amplitudes with lower power for improved images.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Primary applications of the cryogenic FO75-35 include NGST and other space-based infra-red imaging and spectrometry missions. The attractive cost target of $25,000 to $50,000 for laboratory units and $150k to $200k for space flight units, combined with additional advantages in the form of lower power consumption, less heat induced into the optical bench and the ability to perform additional functions such as scanning and chopping, make it appropriate for image stabilization of ground-based observatories and DoD?s infrared seekers as well.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Lawrence M. Germann
Left Hand Design Corporation
7901 Oxford Road
Longmont , CO 80503
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Left Hand Design Corporation
7901 Oxford Road
Longmont , CO 80503
PROJECT TITLE: A low-cost processing method for cryogenic magnetostrictive materials
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Magnetostrictive materials have the potential for a variety of applications from sensors to actuators for adaptive optics, robotics and automation, and linear motors. Recently, several cryogenic magnetostrictive materials have been discovered with high saturation strains and excellent mechanical properties. These materials are alloys of terbium and dysprosium with zinc. The potential applications of these materials include valves, electromechanical actuators, micropositioners among others. These magnetostrictors have been fabricated in small quantities and in single crystal form in order to understand their magnetostrictive behavior. However, in order to realize their application potential, their costs must decrease and they must become more widely available. The focus of the research effort proposed herein is to develop low-cost scalable manufacturing processes for TbDyZn alloys. In order to apply these magnetostrictors, correlation between the grain morphology and the magnetostrictive, mechanical and electrical properties will be established.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
If successful, this project will make low-cost cryogenic magnetostrictive materials available to applications developers. These types of actuators can be used for precise positioning systems such as used in optical systems, semiconductor fabrication, active vibration and acoustic control, precision valves and pumps.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Chad H. Joshi
Energen, Inc.
17D Sterling Road
Billerica , MA 01862-2518
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Energen, Inc.
17D Sterling Road
Billerica , MA 01862-2518
PROJECT TITLE: Integrated Optical Design Evaluation Tool
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The design of large aperture, high precision, optical telescopes, for operation in the space environment, requires detailed analytical models capable of resolving the coupled multiphysics phenomena affecting the performance of the instrument. Thermal, mechanical and optical properties must be simultaneously considered in design analysis. Normally, SRS engineers perform coupled thermomechanical/optical analysis using a suite of analysis tools that includes ALGOR (3-D finite element modeling), OPTICAD and BEAM4 (optical ray tracing), SINDA/G (finite difference thermal analysis) and TRASYS (orbital radiation exchange). Although each of the software packages reside on a common workstation, each requires a separate input file for describing the system, and performing coupled analysis requires tedious manual exchange of analysis results between models. SRS proposes developing software to fully integrate the analysis capabilities of the individual codes to provide the telescope designer with a greatly simplified tool for complete design of large space optics. This innovative analysis tool does not exist in currently available software packages. The integrated tool will allow a broader evaluation to be performed on all design options by eliminating the requirement to create multiple data sets for the same design configuration.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
There is a significant need in the development of large aperture space telescopes for accurate analysis prediction tools. Meeting the stringent optical alignment tolerances necessary for a high quality telescope is one of the primary concerns for this applications. The advantages of having the proposed tool to obtain the optical metrics of the telescope are ease of use and time savings. The proposed program allows the user to utilize all the tools necessary for an integrated analysis without the pre- and post-processing requirements that are necessary at this time. The capabilities of this software offer a distinct advantage over the time consuming methods currently employed to design large telescopes. There is no software currently available on the market that combines the specific software tools required for this unique analysis. The proposal is to make a commercially available software package, which will move SRS Technologies to the forefront of the market in state-of-the-art integrated optical design evaluation tools. This tool will not only be desirable to large aperture space telescope designers but will also meet the needs of evaluators of terrestrial telescopes.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
James Moore
SRS Technologies
500 Discovery Drive
Huntsville , AL 35806
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
SRS Technologies
500 Discovery Drive
Huntsville , AL 35806
PROJECT TITLE: Single Crystal Piezoelectrics For Cryogenic Actuators
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Single crystal piezoelectrics having strains > 1% (an order of magnitude greater than conventional ceramics) are proposed as the electroactive material for adaptive optics on the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST). These single crystals have piezoelectric coefficients at 20 K (the NGST operation temperature) equivalent to those of Type VI PZT at room temperature. Compositional adjustments are proposed to further enhance crystal performance at cryogenic temperatures; a similar methodology was successfully demonstrated at TRS for improving the cryogenic performance of PZT ceramics. Measurements will determine if the electric field induced phase transition, which results in large strains at room temperature, still exists at cryogenic temperatures. Based on cryogenic strain and thermal expansion measurements, design rules will be developed for single crystal multilayer actuators that operate from room temperature to below 20 K. Crystal stack actuators fabricated in this program can serve as the active component in a number of actuator designs being considered for the NGST. TRS Ceramics, Inc. has an exclusive license from The Pennsylvania State University for the use of single crystals in actuator applications. As a producer of specialty piezoelectrics, TRS is in an ideal position to develop actuators for the still developing cryogenic market.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Cryogenic actuator applications are currently as active elements in inchworm motors, resonant screw drives, and flextensional positioners used in the adaptive optics of space-based telescopes such as NGST. Other potential applications include vibration or flap control on high altitude aircraft, flow control of cryogenic fluids, and vibration sensors for cryogenic environments. Fabrication techniques developed in this program will also be used in a broad variety of applications that utilize the high room temperature strain levels of these crystals.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Wesley Hackenberger
TRS Ceramics, Inc.
Suite J, 2820 E. College Ave.
State College , PA 16801-7548
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
TRS Ceramics, Inc.
Suite J, 2820 E. College Ave.
State College , PA 16801-7548
PROJECT TITLE: Tension-Based Support Structures for Very Large Space Telescopes
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The replicated mirror panels being developed by MSFC and the membrane mirrors being studied by JPL offer the potential for the low areal mass densities (a few kg/m2 or less) that will be essential for very large space telescopes, but their value will by fully realized only if similarly low-mass means can be found to support them. The mass of "conventional" designs with a multitude of stiff members and strong moment-bearing joints tends to make them unsuitable for the advanced systems. Far more promising, instead, are tension-based truss structures, much like sailboat masts with their spreaders and stays, that can be very stiff without incurring the mass penalties. Active control would be needed to control deflections, but tension adjustments in the cables might be used to correct the truss?s own structural deformations, and individual actuators could be used for final adjustment of the mirror surface. Sirius has long-standing interest in the design of such tensile-based structures, and proposes to produce a concept for at least one automatically-deployable optical bench structure that will enable packaging of a large aperture into a relatively small launch vehicle payload envelope, and to suggest means for providing an optical surface with the required figure.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Tension-based structures offer significant mass and stored-volume advantages over more conventional compression-based designs for virtually any low load bearing application. Although the proposed Phase I effort will be directed specifically towards deployable optical benches for large space telescopes, commercial opportunities abound for similar concepts that result in easily transported, erected, and disassembled domed structures that can provide large contiguous floor areas without intrusive support columns for sports activities, trade shows, etc.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Glenn W. Zeiders
The Sirius Group
108 Spinnaker Ridge Drive
Huntsville , AL 35824
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
The Sirius Group
108 Spinnaker Ridge Drive
Huntsville , AL 35824
PROJECT TITLE: Ultra Low Weight Turbomolecular Pump
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This project proposes design, manufacture, and testing of an ultra-low weight and volume hybrid turbomolecular pump (TMP). The pump will provide a pumping speed density of roughly 100 l/s/kg (state of the art is 50 l/s/kg) while keeping the pump diameter to ~ 2" and pump length to ~ 5". Innovative features include: 1. A high speed (~200,000 rpm), one piece, titanium rotor with a specially designed first stage, integral Siegbahn-type drag stages, and conical retention features (one that is solenoid actuated) on each end which permit restraint during periods of shock loading (e.g. during launch). 2. A first turbo stage with tapered blade cross-sections, zero radius bore, and a mid-span damper ring to provide very low hub-to-tip radius ratio (~.5), excellent vibration characteristics, large inlet area, and high tip speed (>1800 ft/s). 3. Shrouded late stage rotors with helicoid stator surfaces to act as a parallel molecular drag stages thus providing very high stage pressure ratios (>20) and low ultimate pressure (1e-09 Torr). 4. Unique rotor geometries for each stage with curved and twisted blades which will allow very high-pressure ratio (~ 107 on H2) and minimum stage count (~5). 5. Magnetic bearings, a high turns density motor, and thin lightweight titanium housings and flanges. This system will provide a hybrid turbomolecular pump uniquely suited for instruments deployed in space for in-situ sensing. The pump will supply ~ greater than 50 l/s pumping speed while weighing ~ 1lbm.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
The advances proposed here have particular advantage where weight and volume are at a premium. These technologies will lead to a hybrid turbomolecular pump that offers 100 l/s/kg (compared to 50 l/s/kg for present state of the art). Therefore the pump should have advantage in space applications. Furthermore, because the rotors and housings will be much smaller for a given pumping speed, there exists a substantial potential cost reduction for pumps that are larger than 500 l/s. When considering the entire market that could be reached by these technologies the potential is substantial (on the order of 1 billion dollars/yr). However, PADT's market analysis has been confined to three initial markets: space in-situ mass spectrometers, commercial portable mass spectrometers, and semiconductor low pressure plasma vapor deposition reactors. It is difficult to predict the exact size of these markets but analysis has provided rough orders of magnitude. The space in-situ mass spectrometer market is on the order of $10 million/yr. The hybrid pump concept developed here would work well in missions where the exhaust pressure is on the order of 10 Torr (then no backing pump would be required). Several NASA missions are planned which might employ a lightweight turbomolecular pump including trips to Europa, Jupiter, and Mars. Additionally, test labs may also need to use small turbomolecular pumps as part of their ground based testing. The portable mass spectrometer market is on the order of $100 million/yr. Possible applications include: defense related mass spectrometry systems designed to detect contagions at very low concentration; medical mass spectrometers which are designed to aid in patient diagnoses; or portable detectors which could be used for security reasons in airports or hotels. The semiconductor wafer fabrication market is on the order $500 million/yr. Possible applications include low-pressure plasma deposition reactors.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Dr. Mark C Johnson
Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies
4123 E. Coolidge
Phoenix , AZ 85018
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Phoenix Analysis and Design Technologies
1465 N. Fiesta Blvd. Suite 107
Gilbert , AZ 85233
PROJECT TITLE: Raman and SERS Imaging Probe for Extraterrestrial Bioparticle Discovery
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The search for evidence of past or extant life on other planets is a highly significant venture in the US space program, particularly with regard to planned Martian exploration. Thus, means of rapid sorting of particles, their classification as microorganisms, and ultimately their identification in small instrument packages that can be deployed in interplanetary missions are required. We propose to develop a methodology and associated instrumentation for identifying and classifying microorganisms using Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The method is based on the unique Raman signature provided by cellular and bacterial outer membranes adsorbed on certain nanostructured Raman signal-enhancing metal surfaces. The probe technology will be designed to interface with miniature, low power Raman instrumentation currently being developed by NASA for geological exploration. An additional outcome of the program will be a large database of microorganism SERS spectra, providing a fingerprint "catalog" for rapid reagentless classification. The goal of Phase I is to demonstrate feasibility and conditions for SERS of model bacteria and viruses. Phase II will be directed at sample preparation modules and Raman optical imaging probes suitable for remote analyses of planetary samples gathered, for example, by penetrometers on rover-type vehicles.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Detection and monitoring of microbes in indoor air (combating "sick building syndrome"), water, food, medical fluids; monitors for biological warfare defense; cell/tissue growth bioprocess monitors; medical diagnostics.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Job M. Bello
EIC Laboratories, Inc.
111 Downey Street
Norwood , MA 02062-2612
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
EIC Laboratories, Inc.
111 Downey Street
Norwood , MA 02062-2612
PROJECT TITLE: Paraffin Actuated Wet Chemistry Reagent Tablet Dispenser
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Technical Abstract: This project will develop a sealed reagent tablet dispenser and stirring mechanism for in-situ wet chemistry experimentation on Mars, Europa, the Moon and other celestial bodies. The dispenser will be designed for integration with a complete in-situ wet chemistry experiment such as the Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment (MECA). No previous experiments to date including MECA have the capability to add chemical reagents to the experiment cell or stir the slurry. This innovative system will utilize a single paraffin actuator to deliver the reagent tablets, puncture the water delivery seal and stir the chemistry experiment. The technology will enable further development of several high profile NASA scientific experiments. The mechanism will have the following features: · sealed dispenser cartridge · integrated stirring mechanism · mass: < 50 grams · overall length including actuator: < 9 cm (3.5 inches) · ability to withstand launch, cruise and destination environments A proof of concept prototype will be designed, manufactured and functionally tested in Phase I. In Phase II the concept will be refined, integrated with the wet chemistry sensor instrument beaker and the sample delivery system, and flight qualified for a specific NASA mission such as the Mars 03 Lander.
POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
Commercial applications include automatic prescription drug dispensing systems for use in outpatient facilities, managed care organizations, assisted living centers and nursing homes.
NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Kurt Lankford
Starsys Research Corporation
4909 Nautilus Court North
Boulder , CO 80301
NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR
Starsys Research Inc.
4909 Nautilus Court North
Boulder , CO 80301
PROJECT TITLE: High Force Electrokinetic Actuator for Space Surface Operations
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This SBIR Phase I Research Proposal seeks to develop a new phenomena, high pressure electrokinetic (HPEK)pumping, for the development of high force, compact, and low power consumption actuators suitable for a variety of aerospace applications. The Phase I Research will demonstrate the utility of HPEK-based systems by combining them with micromachined structures to effectively translate the high pressure hydraulic flow into usable work. Specific applications are outlined which can employ HPEK technology, including an ultra-compact rock crushing device. The key actuator system for this device will be constructed and tested in order to assess the feasibility for use in sample retrieval and handling syste