NASA 2003 STTR Phase 1 Solicitation

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Raman   Mehra
rkm@ssci.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this STTR project Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) and Brigham Young University (BYU) propose to design, implement, and test an Autonomous Coordinated Control And Management System (ACCAMS) for multiple Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) engaged in cooperative missions under rapidly changing environment. Over the past few years, BYU has developed an effective approach for complex cooperative missions such as the coordinated multiple UAV rendezvous mission. In this project we plan to enhance this approach by integration of Failure Detection, Identification, and Reconfiguration (FDIR) algorithms, Achievable Dynamic Performance (ADP) estimation algorithms, and high level decision making logic to the control architecture. The integration of these algorithms allow the UAVs to make intelligent decisions in the presence of subsystem failures or external threats in an autonomous fashion. The FDIR algorithms detect and identify the failure when it occurs, and reconfigures the controller to continue the mission if possible. It also estimates the new ADP and pass this information to the upper layers to decide if the trajectory/path/mission need to be changed after the failure or threat has occurred. We also plan to conduct flight tests of the baseline coordinated control scheme to demonstrate the path planning and trajectory generation capabilities using the BYU fixed-wing UAV testbed during Phase I.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Current applications of the proposed Autonomous Coordinated Control And Management system are in the area of intelligent autonomy for multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) engaged in cooperative missions such as hazardous site inspection and combating forrest fire. Autonomous intelligent control systems will find wide applications in the military such as Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) mission. Other potential applications are envisioned in the areas of robotics, and unmanned ground, underwater and surface vehicles.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed Autonomous Coordinated Control And Management system and related technologies are critical for realizing the vision of using a fleet of low-cost UAVs or spacecraft to replace expensive vehicles in many Earth observing or space exploration missions. The technologies developed under this project are expected to predict and prevent mechanical and software malfunctions, and reconfigure the control when they happen. Our technologies will also allow the vehicles to make intelligent decisions at higher-level autonomously, which will lead to higher mission success rate.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Marjorie A. Darrah
mdarrah@isr.us
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Our proposed innovation is to develop neural network (NN) rule extraction technology to a level where it can be incorporated into a software tool, we are calling NNRules, which captures a trained neural network?s decision logic and uses it as a basis for verification and validation (V&V) of the neural network. This formalism has never been attempted. The significance of the NNRules innovation is that:
? The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Aviation Administration are currently researching the potential of neural networks in mission- and safety-critical systems.
? High assurance neural network applications require rigorous verification and validation techniques.
? The adaptive and ?black box? characteristics of neural networks make verification and validation of neural networks practically intractable.
? Rule-based systems have a more visible, and potentially human readable, decision logic that supports a robust set of verification techniques.
? Neural network rule extraction research has developed algorithms that translate a neural network into an equivalent set of rules. NNRules embeds this technology in a generally usable tool that will dramatically increase the ability to V&V high assurance neural networks.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Possible NASA neural network applications include adaptive flight control, mission planning, deep space autonomous operations, and vehicle health monitoring. Our proposed innovation provides R&D of V&V methods for neural networks, potentially assisting in the increased use of neural networks. Adaptive flight control neural networks can correctly control the vehicle in response to unknown or unforeseeable situations. In deep space, the closed loop command path between spacecraft and Earth is too long in duration to ensure ground based response to critical events. Neural Nets enable the spacecraft to make critical decisions autonomously to both maintain system health and enhance science collection.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The Navy has been researching incorporating neural networks into ship operations as an enhancement to its Smart Ship technology. With neural networks, the trust in ship critical operations is compromised until they can be verified and validated. FAA interest in neural networks sparked a joint effort with NASA ARC, researching how neural networks can be used in flight control systems and successfully testing neural networks in critical systems on the DFRC F-15 test plane. Intelligent planes with neural networks can learn permissible flight envelopes and be trained not to fly outside those envelopes, circumventing a repeat of 9/11.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Javier   deluis
deluis@payload.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
As space missions become increasingly complex, they demand increased reliance on spacecraft to adjust to unexpected or unfamiliar events without the assistance of real-time human-in-the-loop control. Such conditions as a thruster failure moments before an automated docking, or imprecise or unknown inertial properties due to fuel slosh, partially deployed appendages, etc., can cause controllers to become unstable or otherwise unable to complete their objectives. Based on our prior work in control systems and specifically in developing the existing Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, & Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) ISS testbed, we propose to analytically characterize the requirements to implement algorithms for autonomous thruster fault identification, fuel slosh and online inertia property estimation on the SPHERES system. This Phase I effort will focus on the necessary software architecture changes and any hardware modifications required to implement these algorithms using SPHERES. Successful completion of this effort will produce specifications and preliminary designs for all necessary components, and pending a manifest opportunity, lead to testing the new algorithms in ISS within Phase II. This proposal offers valuable innovation in three respects: creation of novel spacecraft control algorithms, rapid advancement from concept to spaceflight demonstration, and low-cost/high-return use of existing spaceflight resources.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The market for the SPHERES-AIT testbed has two components. NASA JPL is the primary customer in the context of developing and operating the TPF mission. The second component are government agencies, including the USAF and DARPA, which also have in development missions that utilize multiple spacecraft, such as the DARPA Orbital Express program. These programs will have need for many of the technologies that will be developed as part of SPHERES-AIT. Because SPHERES-AIT is extraordinarily inexpensive relative to other spaceflight and associated ground research systems, we believe that these programs would find it a useful technology development tool.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The major application for the proposed SPHERES-AIT technology is the NASA JPL Terrestrial Planet Finder program. Other potential applications exist for any NASA program involved with on-orbit cooperative spacecraft, including distributed spacecraft systems and on-orbit rendezvous and docking. This testbed has the potential for numerous missions on the ISS, and experiment time (or even additional testbeds) may be provided under cooperative arrangements between the developers and sponsoring agencies.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Michael J.  Roemer
mike.roemer@impact-tek.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Impact Technologies LLC, in cooperation the Georgia Institute of Technology, proposes to develop and demonstrate an innovative Automated Contingency Management (ACM) concept for advanced propulsion systems that will provide a superior level of engine fault accommodation and optimized performance based on a seamless integration between the engine health management (EHM) system and the engine controller. Utilizing a sophisticated engine simulation model with full transient capability and integrated control, a software-in-the-loop demonstration will be delivered that will be capable of realistically simulating various control sensor failures, actuator faults, and engine degradation scenarios with associated results obtained comparing the benefits of the ACM technologies implemented.

The proposed ACM software hierarchy will act from the engine subsystems level up through the air vehicle level and will implement advanced fault-accommodating control, health management, and intelligent software agents to accomplish its goal. The core innovations of this project include: 1.) The development of advanced fault detection algorithms for sensor, actuator and component faults in different flight regimes; 2.) The development of intelligent software agents for achieving optimal dynamic performance under faulty propulsion dynamics; and 3.) The development of reconfigurable control algorithms linked to the EHM system for guaranteeing the stability of the fault-accommodating control system.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed Automated Contingency Management technologies will be directly applicable to propulsion, reusable launch vehicles, unmanned air vehicles and future generation General Aviation platforms. It will lead to benefits in the form of improving reliability, maintainability, and survivability of safety-critical aerospace systems.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The potential commercial use of the developed technologies is broad. Examples of key customers that could benefit through use of the developed technologies include: unmanned combat air vehicles, future combat systems, commercial airlines, land and marine propulsion systems, industrial actuation systems, and robotic applications. The aero propulsion domain alone has thousands of potential systems to address with this technology.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Gerald   Andersen
gandersen@nextgenaero.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Commercially available software suites such as the Automate Structural Optimization System (ASTROS) and MSC/NASTRAN represent the current industry standard in multidisciplinary design and optimization (MDO) tools. The primary capabilities of these products have remained largely unchanged since their initial release. In the analysis and design of modern aerospace vehicles, the deficiencies of these legacy tools are becoming increasingly clear. The linear aerodynamic methods employed by these tools are not appropriate when transonic flight regimes are considered or when other nonlinearities are present, particularly when these techniques are used to predict flight vehicle performance. Although advances in computational power and numerical techniques present an opportunity to employ higher fidelity methods, the development of new software is proceeding slowly. The effort described in this Phase I proposal describes a means by which nonlinear analytic and experimental data can be used to improve the accuracy of flight vehicle performance predictions by utilizing existing analysis tools. A procedure is presented to integrate a finite element based analysis and design tool with a nonlinear aerodynamic solver and graphical visualization system to provide improved correlation of simulated results with flight test data.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The development of a multidisciplinary analysis technique which utilizes nonlinear aerodynamics will immediately benefit many NASA research and development efforts, particularly at NASA Langley, Ames, and Dryden Research Centers where simulations are used to predict wind tunnel or flight test results. The method presented will yield a much higher correlation between predicted results and those obtained by experiment. NASA Dryden flight test efforts, such as the Active Aeroelastic Wing program, will benefit as more accurate predictions, such as maneuver performance and hinge moments can be made prior to the entry into flight tests.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are many potential benefits to the aerospace industry. With increased prediction accuracy through coupling of nonlinear aerodynamics with preliminary design tools, significant cost savings may be achieved. Increased confidence in simulated results could reduce the need for extensive and costly flight test programs. With more accurate design tools at their disposal, engineers can design vehicles with a higher likelihood of performing as they were intended at a reduced risk of encountering unforeseen design issues late in the development process. Furthermore, since a general design tool will eventually be developed, these benefits are applicable across a broad range of products.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Antony    Jameson
jameson@baboon.stanford.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A new multidisciplinary software environment ('MUSE') will be developed for the simulation of flight vehicles, drawing on the results of recent research on very fast algorithms, performed at Stanford University under Professor Antony Jameson's guidance. This new technology will be merged with Intelligent Aerodynamics' finite element methology implemented in the product FASTPLANE. This code, which uses multigrid acceleration techniques and is fully parallelized, can already perform^Msteady-state simulations of complete aircraft in less than 5 minutes on a 16 processor Beowulf cluster. The synergy resulting from the technology transfer will lead to a new level of capability for the simulation of both steady and unsteady flows, thus providing the platform needed to couple additional disciplines into an advanced multidisciplinary tool for aero-structural and thermal analysis. It can also provide the platform for a new generation of design-optimization software using the adjoint methodology developed by Antony Jameson and his collaborators during the last decade. Moreover, with further advances in the performance of computer hardware that can be anticipated, real time simulation of flight vehicles should in the future be feasible with this new software. This would provide a powerful new tool to support flight-testing.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Performance of Flight Vehicles
The steady and unsteady simulations will be useful for NASA scientists
to characterize the performance of flight vehicles and to streamline
the flight testing process.

Trajectory Analysis
Using the unsteady multi-disciplinary simulation tool it will be
possible to predict the trajectories of flight vehicles, and
eventually simulate separation maneuvers.

Advanced Concepts
It will provide a cost effective process for the
preliminary evaluation of advanced concepts including new hypersonic
vehicles and morphing configurations.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Aircraft Design
An efficient multidisciplinary simulation capability for flight
vehicles will enable a streamlined preliminary design process.
It may also play a role in reducing
the cost of certification.

Turbomachinery problems
The new advanced algorithms could
potentially lead to drastic reductions in
computational time and costs.

Simulation of rotor-craft
The new time-integration methods and finite
element methodology will allow
engineers and researchers to model blade motion and vortex wake
interaction, enabling high-fidelity helicopter rotor analysis.

Other Industrial Applications
Because fluid-structure
systems are so pervasive in all of mechanical engineering, our work
will be useful in many other industries.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Henry A. Carlson
hcarlson@htva.net
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Clear Science Corp. and Duke University propose to develop and demonstrate a new and efficient computational method of modeling nonlinear aeroelastic systems. The method will extend the scope of multi-disciplinary computational tools like NASA Dryden's STARS by augmenting linear eigenmode stability algorithms and coupled time-marching techniques. The objective is a low-dimensional model that accurately reflects nonlinearity in both structure and fluid and that is efficient enough to permit full exploration of parameter space. In Phase I, our team will evaluate two types of model order reduction: proper orthogonal decomposition of the coupled-system variables and the method of harmonic balancing. We will downselect one method based on efficiency, accuracy, and versatility, demonstrate its merit via a prototype problem, and design a comprehensive Phase II plan for model development and testing. The proposed innovation can minimize the risk of failure and maximize flight safety in aircraft like the F-18-AAW and X-43 by accurately and efficiently predicting nonlinear dynamics over a broad range of flight conditions. Integrating the nonlinear model with codes like STARS will augment the capability of quickly determining linear stability with the capability of efficiently analyzing nonlinear behavior like limit cycle oscillations, hysteresis, higher harmonic and sub-harmonic resonances, jump resonances, entrainment, beating, and period doubling.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed innovation offers new computational tools for designing next-generation aircraft like the NASA/Air Force F-18-AAW. Concepts like the F-18-AAW?s Active Aeroelastic Wing raise significant new challenges for engineers, requiring accurate prediction of nonlinear system responses in the presence of rapidly changing flight conditions and wing configurations. Integrating new methods of modeling nonlinear dynamics with existing NASA software can keep computational analysis capabilities apace with experimental flight testing. Computational models that cover a wide range of conditions and system responses (linear and nonlinear) will have a significant impact on design costs by reducing the number of required certification flight tests in future air vehicles and currently deployed systems.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Nonlinear behavior in coupled fluid-structure systems is ubiquitous, and commercial interest in engineering software designed to analyze these systems is high. Examples of nonlinear interactions between a flexible structure and surrounding flow include aircraft wings in flight, blood flow through arteries, the response of bridges and tall buildings to winds, turbine and compressor blade vibrations, the aero-response of automobile bodies (generating cabin noise), and oscillations in heat exchangers. Corresponding markets for software tools include the aerospace contractor community and civil transport airframe manufacturers, gas turbine and HVAC manufacturers, the automotive industry, rotorcraft companies, medical equipment manufacturers, and weapon system designers.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Pinakin   Patel
ppatel@fce.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)/ gas turbine hybrid power systems (HPSs) have been recognized by federal agencies and other entities as having the potential to operate at unprecedented levels of performance for terrestrial applications (e.g., 70% power generation efficiencies with significantly mitigated criteria pollutant and noise emissions). An innovative approach is proposed for leveraging competencies in high temperature fuel cell stack and system simulation/validation and manufacturing, in conjunction with robust aeronautical sub-system/system design capabilities, to optimize these promising systems for novel aerospace propulsion and power applications. NASA GRC?s ?Protect the Environment? and ?Explore New Aerospace Missions? initiatives are addressed via the proposed technical contributions to both alternative non-combustion and alternative fuels/combustion aeronautical power generation. SOFCs, the non-combustion alternative, serve as a promising fuel infrastructural bridge; because the technology engenders practical efficiencies between 45-60%, and it is amenable to a variety of fuel feeds (including hydrocarbons and hydrogen). The inclusion of the SOFCs into modified Brayton cycles also enhances combustion-based power/propulsion via its byproduct enhancement of the fuel quality and heating value upstream of the combustor. A rigorous conceptual design/validation study is proposed for Phase I, corresponding proof-of-concept enabling hardware development for Phase II, and NASA/non-NASA commercialization efforts for Phase III.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
NASA could use the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Turbine Hybrid power system for both aerospace and terrestrial applications. Successful development of the SOFC/T system will meet NASA's objective for environmentally attractive aero-propulsion and power systems. Potentially the SOFC/T system can be deployed for suborbital vehicles for auxilliary power as well as propulsion power. In addition, terrestrial applications using the SOFC/T system for distributed electic power generation could provide reliable, clean, highly efficient and very secure grid-independent power sources for NASA's facilities world-wide.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The potential distributed generation market for the proposed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Turbine hybrid is estimated to be over $1 billion. According to recent data [Federal Energy Technology Center, Fuel Cells --- Addressing Future Global Power Needs, Morgantown, 1997], the potential American market for solid oxide fuel cell-based power system ratings is between 435-975 MW. Considering current cost goals of $1000/kW - $1500/kW, this translates to $435MM-$1462.5MM. The global market was projected to be 1275 GW. Solid oxide fuel cell systems can attain a sizable portion of this market as well.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Hanwei    Lei
hlei@tjtechnologies.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The innovation proposed in this STTR program is a high temperature membrane to increase the efficiency and power density of PEM fuel cells. The NASA application is newly emerging electric aircraft propulsion systems. The proposed membrane is based on novel proton conducting polymeric materials that will not require humidification or the use of leachable dopants to enhance proton transport. Operation of fuel cells at temperatures > 150 ?C will facilitate heat and water management, increase the current density, and reduce the over-potentials for hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction. These advantages will translate to lower power system weight for propulsion applications through reduced fuel cell system size and improved fuel economy. The high temperature membranes will be based on new polymer materials recently discovered at the University of Michigan (UM). In this program T/J Technologies will collaborate with UM to transfer this technology into fuel cell applications through developing blends or copolymers designed to improve fuel cell performance. T/J Technologies will modify casting and fabrication methods for the new membrane materials. The overall goal of phase I is to demonstrate a novel membrane that is mechanically, thermally and chemically robust at >150 ?C and attains a proton conductivity > 0.1 S/cm2.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Electric propulsion is the primary NASA application for high temperature fuel cells. Electric aircraft propulsion will reduce noise and emissions, and may increase energy efficiency. Hybrid fuel cell/photovoltaic systems offer the potential for very extended and high altitude flights. This technology will enable new applications such as reconnaissance, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and communications relays. Other space applications would include replacements for batteries in LEO and GEO satellites or for portable high energy density power supplies in lights, cameras, tools, and communications equipment.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Higher temperature membranes are considered an enabling technology for a wide range of commercial PEMFC applications. High temperature operation will increase the rates of fuel cell reactions, decrease the amount of Pt catalyst in the electrodes, and dramatically decrease the system size and cost. Advances in this technology could benefit all of the key emerging fuel cell applications, including distributed stationary generation, motor vehicle propulsion, portable power supplies for soldiers, and replacements for rechargeable batteries in consumer electronics.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Wayne   Steffier
wayne.steffier@htcomposites.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Propulsion systems that provide high power to weight and minimal mass are required for the planned generation of nanospacecraft and nanosatellites. Power-MEMS can provide a low cost, highly scalable production approach to small power systems as well as distributed power systems. However, to achieve the desired efficiencies from the MEMS operating temperatures need to exceed the structural temperature limit of silicon. In conjunction with the MIT Micro-Engine program, many of the technologicalissues for the incorporation of a refractory reinforcement, such as silicon carbide, have already been addressed. Selective deposition of the silicon carbide is believed to address the last remaining processing issues for fabricating selectively reinforced Si/SiC hybrid wafers.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The successful incorporation of silicon carbide is an enabling technology for power-MEMS devices. In addition to microrockets, MEMS heat engines such as microturbines can benefit from SiC incorporation. Power-MEMS devices are predicted to be a rapidly growing field characterized by high specific power output. These devices can be utilized to power nanospacecraft and nanosatellites as well as larger systems when arrayed as a distributed power source.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Initial commercial applications would likely be for compact, low weight power sources. However due to the high specific power efficiencies, more traditional power applications can be addressed with arrays of power-MEMS. The selective deposition of SiC would also greatly advance the fabricability of elevated temperature MEMS sensors and controls. Elevated temperature pressure sensors capable of operation at greater than 400C is one such market.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Patrick   McMullen
pat@calnetix.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
For space-born energy storage systems, the energy to weight ratio is extremely important. From this perspective, a hubless flywheel energy storage design is very advantageous since most of the flywheel energy is stored in its outer circumference, while the core significantly adds to the system weight. One of the problems with this design is that conventional active magnetic bearings are difficult to integrate into the overall system. We propose to utilize recently developed Null-E Magnetic Bearings instead, which appear to be better suited for the hubless topology. Their major advantages over active magnetic bearings include inherent stability at high rotational speeds, simplicity, low cost and lack of laminated components. At the same time, Null-E bearings deliver the desired combination of high load capacity, stiffness and low rotational losses. They can be designed to operate as entirely passive systems with no electronics or external power supplies, or as partially active systems, with some supplementary electronics. A combination of different modes is also possible, e.g. an active system at low speeds and passive at high. The proposed study includes electromagnetic design and analysis of Null-E bearings as well as research of composite material technologies suitable for the proposed design.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Light-weight flywheel energy storage systems for applications in satellites and spacecrafts.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Flywheel Energy Storage systems for UPS, Power conditioning, Micro Turbines, Fuel Cells and Railroad applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Krishna C. Mandal
drauh@eiclabs.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
There is a continuing need within NASA for solar cells and arrays with very high specific power densities (1000-5000 kW/kg) for generating power in a new generation of ultralight space payloads. An emerging technology with promise to meet these ambitious goals are solar cells based on very thin films of discrete layers or interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of organic donors and acceptors. It is also recognized in the field of thin film inorganic solar cells, that it is possible to stack cells tuned to the blue, green and red portions of the solar spectrum, thus harvesting photons with less degradation of their energy. Theoretical efficiencies for multijunction solar cells are ~70% compared to ~30% for single junction devices. Indeed, these multijunction solar cells hold the current record for solar conversion efficiency. In this proposed joint STTR program between EIC Laboratories and the University of Florida, we will develop multijunction organic donor-acceptor solar cells as a means to achieve higher efficiencies than can be realized with single junction devices. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility using a two junction ?blue-red? device. Phase II will develop three junction devices and scaled up devices on lightweight flexible polymer substrates.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
NASA applications include power for microsatellites and planetary landers, and for powering adaptive optical flexible mirrors and antennas. Future needs include longterm power for deployed planetary exploration.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The cells are projected to provide power at ~$0.5/peak watt, which would strongly impact the domestic energy market as an alternative energy source. Other applications include power for battery charging, instrumentation, sensors, and remote installations.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
John   Slough
sloughj@comcast.net
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed work seeks to develop and optimize an electrode-less plasma propulsion system that is based on a high power helicon (HPH) that is being developed collaboratively between MSNW and the University of Washington. The helicon is well suited for this task, as it is known for efficient production of high-density plasmas. The proposed system takes helicon research into an entirely unexplored regime of high power, moving from the traditional kW level discharges to tens and hundreds of kW. Preliminary results indicate that it has excellent potential for making an efficient propulsion system with an estimated thrust of about 1 N for 50 kWe. Higher thrust levels are expected with optimization of its operational characteristics, particularly the addition of a magnetic nozzle that will facilitate conversion of thermal energy into directed flow. Numerical modeling will be employed to understand the relevant physics, and help determine the optimal thruster configuration. Scaling studies will determine the power levels where HPH is competitive or surpasses other systems under consideration for NASA?s higher power missions. Based on results, a plan for the complete system design and test demonstration of the HPH to be realized in Phase II will be detailed.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Successful development of the High Power Helicon (HPH) thruster would have application to several NASA missions, in particular the NASA nuclear electric propulsion initiatives such as Project Prometheus and the Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO). The HPH thruster would result in a robust, lightweight, high power, highly efficient, low cost, long-lived propulsion system that could also enable future NASA missions such as the human exploration of Mars.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are several other applications for the High Power Helicon. With the ability to operate efficiently at high density, Helicon discharges have been developed as plasma sources for plasma processing. The initial results for the HPH show downstream plasma distribution that is very uniform over a large area, which is ideal for plasma processing. The range of plasma densities and gasses have yet to be fully explored. Being electrode-less, requiring a power source ~ 100 V, and producing plasma in a highly transparent vessel, there is very likely application in the area of high intensity lighting.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Christina   Chen
christina.chen@udri.udayton.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Since high temperature Sm-Co based magnets were developed, a number of new applications have been introduced. NASA?s Xe+ ion propulsion engine used in Deep Space I (DS-I) is a prime example. The magnets with coating perform well at temperatures up to 550?C. Magnets without coating perform well in the current 10 kW Xe+ ion engines in the vacuum which exists in space and at temperatures up to 400?C. Additional challenges are expected in the missions NASA is planning. The new missions, with higher-powered engines, include travel toward the sun, to Jupiter, and planets beyond. In these higher-powered engines (> 10 kW) temperatures are expected to reach 550?C in vacuum to ~10-5 Torr. Technical data of the high temperature Sm-Co in the conditions of the NASA?s new mission are needed.
This program proposes to study the effects of radiation on physical and magnetic properties, and the thermal stability and its improvement, in vacuum at temperature up to 550?C, of Sm-Co high temperature magnets. Based on the results of this work, improvements to Sm-Co magnets will be made to enhance the performance of high power Xe+ ion propulsion engines.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The applications include the high-power ion engines to be used for Ion Propulsion of NASA?s Jupiter Mission. Consistent magnet performance is essential for the performance of the ion engine. The operating temperatures for these high-power ion engines will reach 550?C, and the operating conditions in the space will include vacuum and radiation. Of the variety of permanent magnet materials available, the Sm-Co high temperature magnet is the only magnet suitable for use in these high power ion engines. This proposed program will obtain the necessary data to ensure the performance of NASA?s spacecrafts powered by ion engines with consistent magnetic field.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The applications include traveling wave vacuum tubes (TWT) and ultra-high vacuum ion pumps for both industrial and military applications. TWT technology is widely used for satellite communications and military electronic warfare. One of the examples is the TWT used for the Towed Decoy which improves survivability of military Aircraft. TWT components with stacks of periodic Sm-Co magnets play a vital role for this task.

Ultra-high vacuum ion pump?s manufacturing processes include degassing at high temperatures in vacuum condition. The results of this program will help to improve the manufacturing process and enhance the performance.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jeffrey W. Roblee
jroblee@precitech.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The goal of this proposal is to develop a new method to create Non-Rotationally Symmetric (NRS) surfaces that overcomes the limitations of the current techniques and is fast, accurate and inexpensive. Diamond turning (DT) has revolutionized the fabrication of lightweight optical surfaces for defense and science applications such as forward-looking infrared radar and infrared spectrometers. It has made this impact not only because it can accurately and rapidly fabricate diffractive, refractive and reflective optical surfaces, but because it can create reference features tied to the optical surfaces to guarantee optical alignment. An emerging trend in optical design is the use of NRS surfaces that reduce complexity, bulk and weight. To create these surfaces, DT machines have been modified with a low-amplitude Fast Tool Servo, a third axis or a fly-cutter. The problem with the FTS is its limited range and the other techniques are plagued by thermal drift during long fabrication times. The proposed Live Axis Turning (LAT) process combines evolving technologies of air bearings, linear motors, high-resolution encoders and high-speed control systems into a moving lightweight toolpost on a conventional DT machine. The result is a more flexible machine that can increase production and reduce cost for NRS components.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There is a growing need for breakthrough instrument designs that will reduce the volume and mass of science packages while improving performance. A recent example is IRMOS, the Infrared Multi-Object Spectrograph, that introduced a number of significant advances in space-based optical instrument design for astronomy including a digital micromirror array and an off-axis biconic ellipsoid. The proposed program addresses the fabrication issues related to these novel optical shapes and promises to reduce the cost of fabrication.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Lightweight, compact and affordable optical systems also have many applications outside space exploration. The most obvious applications would be in defense for infrared and visible light sensing. A pivotal part of a new defense strategy is for more rapid deployment forces and flexible systems. Examples of devices that will benefit from free-form optics are expendable, compact UAV?s, heads-up displays and lightweight night vision gear. In the commercial sector, lightweight wearable displays, improved vision correction and medical vision devices will be key applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
William F. Fischer III, Ph.D.
bfischer@trexhawaii.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The following proposal summarizes the process by which Trex Enterprises will utilize our patented CVC (Chemical Vapor Composite) SiC process towards the fabrication of near net shape lightweight SiC mirrors with high optical performance for both the surface figure and surface roughness of the as-deposited mirror. The as-deposited surface figure and roughness will be optimized through careful selection and preparation processes applied to a variety of mandrel structures and designs. The CVC process replicates the current mandrel surface precisely and this work will look to explore and quantify optically the absolute limits of the surface replication potential of the CVC process. Once this surface has been characterized and optimized, we will then be in a position to either move directly to polishing or eliminate the polishing stage completely from our mirror fabrication process. The savings in both time and cost would greatly improve both the cost of high performance SiC optics as well as reduce the long lead time from many months to as little as several weeks.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The technology developed during this program would be applicable for the rapid production of any large aperture, lightweight, high performance, low cost, SiC optical mirrors for a wide variety of applications. NASA uses would include virtually all land, air or space based systems. It is possible that the technology could be applied to the James Webb telescope, but the timing is likely to lag the desired schedule for that particular system. Other NASA programs in the areas of grazing incidence X-ray, visible, UV-EUV, and solar facing optical systems could also take advantage of the technology developed during this program.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Similar advantages would also apply to a large variety of DoD programs, as well as commercial applications, especially some of the larger telescope systems currently being designed for land-based systems. Some land-based telescope systems would include the GSMT, Euro 50, OWL, and Kelt, programs. DoD systems currently identified that would have a keen interest in this technology would include the Predator, MKV, EKV, and ADLT systems, among others.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Coorg   Prasad
prasad@sesi-md.cpm
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose to develop high speed magnetostrictive and MEMS actuators for rapidly deflecting or deforming mirrors. High speed, light-weight, low voltage beam deflectors are required for rapid tuning of lasers, airborne and ground based lidar transmitters and receivers, image correctors, scanners, printers, target acquisition and countermeasures. Technologies currently employed include, electro-mechanical actuators: piezo, galvanometric, voice-coil, etc, electro or acousto-optical devices. They suffer from some or all of following drawbacks: low speed, high voltage requirement, limited life, hysteresis, high cost and bulky connections. Recent advances in magentostrictive materials have shown that large displacements (>100mm) at high frequencies (~ 40kHz) can be achieved. Using this novel technology we will build innovative mirror systems for achieving high speed beam deflections (tens of mrad). Key attributes of these deflectors are: low voltage excitation, non-contact energy transfer, compact and rugged systems for applications in lasers, lidars and airborne systems. In Phase I after exploring optimum configurations and designs of deflectors, we will fabricate laboratory scale actuators and mirrors. The speed and deflection performance of the devices will be measured and establish their feasibility. In Phase II we will build two prototype beam deflectors and incorporate them into tunable laser and lidar receiver systems for testing.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
NASA Applications include: High speed mirrors for tuning lasers that are required for differential absorption lidars for measuring ozone, water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide. High speed mirror deflectors for blocking initial pulse in lidar receiver systems. High speed scanners, Deformable mirrors for atmospheric correction in beams.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
A number of non-NASA applications are also foreseen. These include light mirror reflectors for compact print heads, Laser light shows, Image Scanners, Beam scanners, Laboratory instruments. DoD applications for high speed beam deflectors, target acquisition and countermeasures

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Fow-Sen   Choa
choa@umbc.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
AdTech Photonics, in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) at UMBC, is pleased to submit this proposal entitled ?Very-High Efficiency, High Power Laser Diodes? in response to NASA?s needs in the such areas as diode pumped solid state lasers and Lidar Remote Sensing. Our goal is to develop ultra-high efficiency diode laser bars that can achieve greater than 80% external quantum efficiency, even when operated at very high power, in order to enable various NASA applications.
To demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing the laser diodes, we propose important milestones that include: a. innovative laser structures to incorporate well-designed band alignment to reduce over-flow leakage current. b. Designing, fabricating, packaging, and testing of thin film double-side heat removal designs that reduce the laser operating temperature and heating induced losses. c. Developing mass production on-wafer processing and packaging techniques that allow thin film lasers to be processed and separated into discrete laser bars.
AdTech Photonics has many years of production experience in the high power laser area covering both military and commercial market needs since 1995. We will work out all tasks and provide NASA with small quantity fabricated samples for space qualification, and other NASA applications.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Although a growing number of important NASA earth-science and planetary missions employ lidar sensors, their limited power, efficiency, weight, lifetime, and relibility have been major concerns. High power semiconductor lasers advantages include small size, low weight, high efficiency, and ease of use, all essential for UAV, balloon and space applications. However, the cost and reliability of these diode laser bars is far from ideal and there remains substantial room for improvement. A revolutionary approach to these lasers, improving their performance and reliability while reducing cost, allows for more capable, less expensive and less complex space remote sensing systems

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
High power semiconductor lasers are powerful tools for pumping solid-state materials, selective soldering and desoldering, welding and heat treating, among other scientific and industrial applications. They are also very useful for various medical (and veterinary) applications including hair removal, non-invasive treatment of vascular lesions (810 nm), surgery, dermatology and dentistry. In the past 15 years, semiconductor high power lasers have become standard pumping sources, replacing other larger light sources. The advantages of semiconductor lasers are their small size, ease of control, along with the possibility of low cost if mass production methods are developed.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Daniel   Rini
dan@rinitech.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
RTI proposes to develop an efficient, reliable, compact and lightweight heat pump for space applications. The proposed effort is expected to lead to (at the end of Phase II) a microclimate system that can remove 300 Watts of heat (in the cooling mode) requiring 92 Watts of electrical power. In the heating mode, the same system would provide up to 392 Watts of heat. The system is expected to weigh around 3.5 pounds (not including the power source) within a volume of about 1000 cc or 1 L. The design is based on a recently developed portable cooler for the Army. The performance of this system cannot be matched simply by using smaller versions of conventional designs, and is accomplished with recent advances in miniaturization and MEMS. Key technological innovations include use of a Wankel compressor with solid lubricants, system configuration for compact design, and design of condenser and evaporator for microgravity application. Phase I effort will concentrate on thermodynamic cycle, compressor, and solid lubrication. Design of the rest of the system, components and system testing and system integration would be undertaken in Phase II.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
This project is anticipated to provide a portable heating/cooling unit with a combination of performance, reliability, size and weight that is currently not available or possible from conventional designs of heat pumps. Such a unit will be useful to NASA for future incorporation into Advanced Life Support system for space missions, as well as for providing cooling to personnel protective ensembles (PPE) that are needed by HazMat (hazardous material) personnel.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The heat pump can also be useful to the Air Force for usage by flight-line maintenance and aircrew personnel, to the Army for dismounted soldiers as part of the Objective Force Warrior systems, and to fire departments across the country for usage by emergency and NBC cleanup personnel. The proposed system while used as a cooling unit has also immense commercial applications in cooling of computer chips/boards/systems and medical applications for patients with illnesses such as multiple sclerosis.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Robert C Morrow
morrowr@orbitec.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The objective of this proposal is to develop a gravity-independent pasteurization and hot air drying process suitable for stabilization of ALS wet cabin waste, drying of crew laundry, and water recovery from water-reprocessing brines. This dryer will use an energy-efficient closed air-loop Heat Pump Desiccant dryer to remove moisture from wet starting material and a Porous Membrane Condensing Heat Exchanger (PMCHX) to trap condensate. Water recovered during drying should be of good quality and available for reuse with standard processing. The process is energy efficient since enthalpy released by the condensing vapor is used to reheat the drying air. Volatile organic compounds are contained throughout the drying process. The system could incorporate a photocatalytic oxidation system to remove VOCs accumulated during drying. The key objective for the PMCHX is to extend its range of application from low-load humidity control in plant growth chambers to high-load condenser duty at up to 80?C air temperature and at temperatures varying over a 40?C range during a single drying run. Since the presence of organics in the condensate, and the predicted condenser temperatures of 5-40?C are conditions favorable to biofilm growth, PMCHX membranes will need to be configured to inhibit the formation of biofilms.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Heat Pump Dessicant drying and high-temperature Porous Membrane Condensing Heat Exchanger condensate recovery have numerous potential applications in space life support. The system can be used to dry Advanced Life Support wet cabin waste to recover water and reduce waste volume, to dry crew laundry, and for recovering water from water reprocessing brines. Other applications include drying of salad machine wastes such as lettuce roots, carrot tops, vegetable trim waste and used nutrient delivery wicks. This gravity independent system could also be used in a planetary colony for drying food products such as grains or beans.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
We intend to demonstrate use of the PMCHX on a much larger scale and in a so-far untested temperature range from 30 to 80?C, suitable for drying. A successful demonstration of the PMCHX condenser under these conditions, especially if the heat transfer characteristics prove superior to conventional condensers, could potentially lead to adoption of PMCHXs for terrestrial HPD drying applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Peter L Kostka
kostkap@orbitec.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The goal of this proposal is to investigate the applicability of recent advances in plasma manufacturing and material treatment to NASA advanced life support systems. In particular we wish to examine surface treatment, material deposition, and the use of low pressure and atmospheric pressure plasma reactors as methods of creating single-piece multi-function fluid handling surfaces. Phase I will determine the feasibility of modifying existing plasma processes to develop a number of different functionalities directly onto an aluminum or ceramic surface. Plasma deposition techniques will be used to create a hydrophilic and bactericidal surface. Etching and deposition will be used to create temperature sensors directly on a surface. Further investigation of deposition techniques will examine the feasibility of depositing thermoelectric (Pelltier) materials onto surfaces. Finally, a resource utilization analysis will be performed to determine the relative merits of creating an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor directly on a thin surface for the purpose of water purification.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Initial MFS applications include engineered plant growth surfaces, with active monitoring of temperature and local moisture level. Aspects of the technology would allow for more efficient heat exchangers and low cost dew point sensing. Capillary surfaces combined with thermoelectric materials would allow local temperature control of plant root zones and the development of more efficient humidity control surfaces. Further applications include a single piece humidity pump capable of being built into enclosure walls or EVA suits. Finally, plasma reactors and silver coated surfaces incorporated into fluid handling surfaces could create a low cost, and highly effective method for water purification.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Plasma-aided manufacturing has the potential to provide highly reliable parts at low cost. As a result, products originally designed for NASA use could be marketed to terrestrial commercial customers. Advanced plant rooting matrices could be used by commercial growers of exotic plants, dew point sensors could be sold to the HVAC and horticulture industries, while humidity and temperature controllers could be first sold to manufacturers of scientific controlled environment chambers and later to makers of electronics packaging. Long-term applications of the technology could extend to waste treatment, chemical analysis and the manufacture of MEMS devices.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Bruce E. Rittmann
b-rittmann@northwestern.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We will rigorously document the mechanisms by which the OrTec biocatalyst can help solve the most pressing waste-management problems for the next-generation of long-term manned space missions. Based on preliminary results, integrating the OrTec biocatalyst into a biological treatment and recovery system could dramatically reduce the amount of required mass, power, volume, and crew time devoted to managing organic solids. At the same time, it can improve safety, reliability, and resource recovery.
In this research, we will experimentally document the degree to which the OrTec biocatalyst enhances volume reduction, stabilization, water recovery, and odor control in the biological treatment of wet and dry solid wastes. This research will lay the foundation for research and development directed towards using the OrTec biocatalyst in the NASA space-mission environment. This research also will help advance the use of OrTec for achieving our society?s environmental and sustainability goals beyond manned space flight.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Safe and effective organic wet and dry solid waste management, performing the following requested functions:

Volume reduction
Stabilization
Conversion into recoverable water
Odor Control
Cleaning and Maintenance of the systems and equipment

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Eliminating odors from degradation of organic wastes in food plants and animal farms
Suppressing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia emissions from anaerobic digesters, ponds, lagoons and aeration basins
Accelerating treatment of odors and volatiles in compost and bio-scrubbers
Reducing accumulation of organic wastes / sludge in ponds, lagoons and wastewater treatment systems
Reducing the solids volume in landfills and compost operations
Increasing production of methane in anaerobic systems
Maintaining septic tanks as well as drains and grease traps
Controlling biofilm / slime, algae and scale
Cooling towers water maintenance
Suppression of foam in aqueous systems

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Dr. Robert W. Rice
rice@shsu.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovations conform precisely to the technology needs described in Subtopic T5.02, Robotics and Virtual Digital Human Technologies. ?Two potential areas for research are the ever-evolving robotics and 3-D simulation technologies providing operational robustness and intelligence.? Our proposal explicitly addresses two of the ?specific technology requirements?: the application of haptics for improved operator awareness of and reaction to robotic activity; and the introduction of stereographic display systems for optimized operator visual situational awareness. We extend our proposal?s relevance by ?offering innovation in the form of 3-D visualization and simulation capabilities of robotic systems with relation to the 3-D virtual-digital-human-in-the-loop concept.? Our VDH technology can place realistic virtual humans working collaboratively with virtual Robonauts in synthetic environments that emulate Space Station or Space Shuttle. Finally, we propose to address the application targets of ?flight and ground operations development, analyses, training and support? by incorporating gravitational force as a variable in the simulation environment, offering the design of highly realistic tests that ?improve the ability of humans and computers to seamlessly control robotic systems?. The Phase I investigation could result in opportunities for design enhancement of the robotic devices themselves.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
This Phase I project targets the NASA issue that mapping human body movements to robotics is not intuitive. It investigates the fact that rapid prototyping through combination of virtual environment (VE) and CAD-based solutions would accelerate design evolution of the Robonaut to acquire added human dexterity, precision and fluidity of movements. This opportunity will augment Robonaut engineering and operation through VE-based tools, haptic devices and autostereoscopic displays. Incorporating better human/ teleoperational interfaces through enhanced robotic engineering and functionality would significantly benefit the Robonaut Program. Enhanced ISS and STS program development of training simulations and operations planning for missions would result.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Commercial applications would include systems integration of VDH technology with haptic, motion-capture, and autostereoscopic display functionality for both autonomous and remote-controlled robotic technology development and operation. Diverse global industries (petroleum, medical, automotive, garment, manufacturing, etc.) would benefit from higher, more precise tactile sensitivity to enhance coarse and fine-grain task performance, enhanced visual display for higher fidelity robotic command and control, and improved human motion capture data collection and portrayal. Better robotic and robot-human interactions and task simulations would positively impact robotic machine design and engineering, task analysis, improvisation, and evaluation and finally planning and scheduling individual and shared events.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Laurence Hassebrook UofK 859-257-8040
lgh@engr.uky.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In comparison to stereovision, it is well known that structured-light illumination has distinct advantages including the use of only one camera, being significantly less sensitive to background clutter, and not requiring the target object to have nonambiguous features. But because structured-light illumination requires a scanning process, it is inappropriate for humancomputer interfacing where the movements/gestures of a human subject are of interest. We propose the innovative process of composite pattern design as a means of constructing structured-light illumination patterns that measure surface topologies with only a single image and, thereby, are appropriate for recording real-time depth video. By moving the composite pattern into the Near-Infra-Red wavelength light spectrum and coupling with real-time optical processor, we intend to establish feasibility of a real-time, low latency, ambient light resistant, and high accuracy depth video sensor for producing a depth map of a scene applicable to virtual reality interfaces that permit control of robotic systems through human gestures by way of spatial tracking of user appendages in motion absent any wearable transmitters or markers.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The composite pattern method provides a non-touch human computer interface for applications that would otherwise require VR gloves, helmets and other wearable markers. Applications include cockpit interfacing, human computer interfacing with autonomous systems and robots, visualization of large data sets, tele-collaboration, and assistive technology. Other applications are in the area of 3-Dimesional data acquisition of surfaces. These applications include industrial inspection, surveillance, robotic object avoidance, and multi-dimensional time-motion study. In contrast to stereovision, composite pattern has active illumination, so it is independent of ambient illumination and works well with smooth featureless objects or scenes.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The development of continuous, real-time, structured-light imaging for single-sensor, depth measurement is an important contribution to dynamic 3-D imaging and tracking. There is great potential for this technology in many fields from research microscopy on live specimens to non-invasive analysis of large, dynamic systems. The proposed camera could have a major impact on persons with disabilities by permitting nontouch gestures given the inability of some individuals to don and doff wearable sensors. This proposal addresses many issues raised in a wheelchair interface including the operation of structured-light in sunlight.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Raymond   Sedwick
sedwick@mit.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The overarching challenge of tele-presence is to provide an environment to the human operator that is sufficiently familiar that the interface itself does not become burdensome and distract from the goals of the mission. The ultimate achievement would be to embed the operator into a scene in such a way as to convince him or her that they are actually on site. We propose a technology that can potentially achieve this by addressing and expanding on two specific technology needs outlined under the subtopic of human/robot interfaces: 1) Stereographic display systems that provide a large field of view, and high resolution, and 2) Techniques for capturing 360 degree video at a work site and redisplaying as a mosaiced virtual environment to the crewmembers back at the base camp. The extension to these ideas is a technology to offer Omni-Directional (full 4p steradian) stereographic information at an appropriately high resolution. The first innovation is the technique for acquiring the necessary information. The second is processing it to provide a continuous, unobstructed, Omni-Directional, stereographic field of view. A head mounted display with attitude tracking has been selected as the most appropriate display device to truly embed the users into the scene.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed system is ideally suited to control robotic systems, due to the inherent depth perception. An obvious application is the control of robots on the surface of Mars to collect samples or build permanent structures. Educational uses of the system can allow users to experience the spectacular views from space, or realistic tours of the space station. It offers enhanced communication between astronauts and ground personnel and greater monitoring of the shuttle on lift-off, providing valuable safety information. Finally, the system would allow astronauts in space the ability to exercise or relax in realistic simulations of Earth environments.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The non-NASA applications are numerous. In addition to uses similar to those described for NASA, the system can also be used to control firefighting drones to rescue people or douse fires. The system will enhance communication allowing unmatched teleconferencing or virtual tours of homes and vacation getaways. It will also provide improved surveillance allowing the ability to quickly and realistic monitor a building. Other applications include event filming, and surround TV. But perhaps the most exciting applications are reality theme parks, allowing visitors to ride a ?virtually real? Space Mountain or to run with the bulls in Pamplona.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
James   Dabney
Dabney@cl.uh.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Piezoelectric ultrasonic motors (PUMs) are ideal actuators for a variety of spaced-based robotics applications. These motors replace conventional drive systems consisting of motor, gear train, and brake with a rugged and reliable actuator containing one moving part. It is not currently feasible to fully exploit the capabilities of PUMs due to the lack of model-based torque control systems. This research will eliminate the barrier to PUM adoption and lead to model-based torque control algorithms and driver hardware. The key result of the Phase I STTR will be demonstration of the feasibility of model-based torque control of PUMs using a passive inertial load. This result will provide assurance that the overall project result, development of model-based torque control hardware and software, is both feasible and attainable. This result will be achieved via the development of a mathematical model relating motor input parameters and speed to output torque and experimental validation of the model. This Phase I STTR will also produce a design for an enhanced laboratory apparatus incorporating an active load, thus permitting detailed modeling of the space-based robot actuation environment.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
PUMs are ideal actuators for a large variety of spaced-based robotics applications. Due to light weight and simplicity, PUMs are perfect actuators for end effector elements such as fingers, wrists, and tool operation. PUMs are also ideal for miniature robots due to small size, light weight, and a natural potential for redundant actuation. PUMS are also ideal for haptic interfaces due to rapid response, low inertia, and absence of backlash. PUM actuation can significantly reduce the size and power requirements of the Dynamic Optical Filtrating System (DOFS) developed by Tietronix for NASA/JSC. All of these applications require model-based torque control.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
PUMs are ideal actuators for any application requiring light weight, simplicity, and reliability. With model-based torque control, PUMs can offer major improvements to surgical robots due to freedom from backlash. Similarly, PUMs will improve haptic interfaces for surgical robots and robots built for hazardous environments such as subsea, rescue, explosive removal, and toxic environments. PUMs are presently used in machine tools; availability of torque control will increase PUM utility. With model-based torque control, PUMs also offer major improvements to special-purpose mechatronics devices such as semiconductor wafer processing machines and circuit assembly machines

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jacqueline   Hines
jhines@ieee.org
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal describes the development of passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors and multi-sensor systems for NASA application to remote wireless sensing of temperature and pressure distributions in space vehicles and demanding environments. SAW devices are a mature technology used in numerous commercial wireless communication applications, satellites, and military systems. Research into the use of SAW devices as solid-state physical sensors is a relatively recent development, with potential emerging applications such as automotive tire pressure sensing. Much of the work reported has focused on single sensor devices and systems, with little work done on dense multi-sensor systems. The system proposed herein consists of multiple passive solid-state SAW sensors that can be interrogated remotely using RF signals, and that respond with a signal that encodes both the sensor's identity as well as measurements of temperature and pressure. The proposed research will study several innovative aspects of SAW sensor technology, including: new piezoelectric materials which can operate over large temperature ranges; new SAW device embodiments for measurement of temperature and pressure and their wireless transmission in multi-sensor environments; transceiver design and optimization given the SAW operating parameters; and innovative packaging and antenna considerations for rugged, small devices.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The primary NASA application for the proposed sensor system would be measurement of the temperature and pressure distribution just under the outer surface of NGLT vehicles for enhancement of IVHM systems. Due to wireless operation of the sensors, the system might also be retrofitted to the shuttle or future OSP vehicles, or be used for tire pressure monitoring. Numerous small, lightweight sensors could be mounted under or within the thermal protective layer of the vehicle, and an internal RF interrogation system could quickly scan through the sensors, providing rapid temperature and pressure distribution information at the surface of the vehicle.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential commercial applications for the proposed sensor system include automotive tire pressure sensing, monitoring temperature and other parameters in motors, furnaces, and other high temperature environments, and shipping container and inventory thermal monitoring. The proposed sensor system provides advantages in S/N ratio and device identification not yet realized in commercial devices under development for automotive tire pressure sensing. The ability to uniquely identify large numbers of individual sensors, combined with a hand-held interrogation system, could make this approach useful for homeland security container screening and for inventory purposes where knowing the temperature history of a set of products is significant.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Marlin H Mickle
mickle@engr.pitt.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
New classes of sensors are needed on spacecraft that can be interrogated remotely using RF signals and respond with the sensor's identity as well as the environmental parameter without use of batteries. Such systems are emerging in the field of RF identification (RFID), but often lack the ability to encode a separate parameter and require the RFID tags to be mounted on an insulator-type surface. The proposed innovation does not employ the conventional 'backscatter' approach now being commercialized, which would preclude mounting the RF-powered sensor devices on metal surfaces. Passive and semiactive devices may respond on the same frequency as they are interrogated, or a separate frequency, and support frequency hopping. Advances are also needed to adapt the same to harsh air and space environments and to include encoding of sensor information for hundreds of sensors, with a total reporting time of about 1 second. Means must be incorporated to distinguish the multitude encoded responses from up to hundreds of sensors and the interrogator must not pose a health hazard to personnel.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Hundreds of temperature sensors might be mounted under the spacecraft vehicle skin, or tiles in the case of the Shuttle. Such sensors might be incorporated into the thermal protection system (TPS) of a future vehicle, located under thermal heat barriers such as foam, tiles, etc. Such sensors could also be utilized to sense water intrusion under the TPS, abnormal stresses or out of range temperatures during fueling operations. Better pressure monitoring within the tires of current and future vehicles could be facilitated with a sensor in each.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Communications nodes are going wireless in the commercial arena. The same can be expected of sensors with appropriate technological advances. Military and commercial aircraft would benefit from passive wireless sensors. Wireless home intrusion alarms would benefit from not requiring periodic battery changes. Automobiles and trucks could incorporate passive wireless sensors for tire pressure monitoring to alleviate excessive treadwear and as part of their electronic control systems.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
John J. Moore
jjmoore@mines.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovation is to use combustion synthesis techniques to manufacture ceramic-based acoustic liners capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2500?C. Combustion synthesis or self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) is a novel technique used by Guigne Space Systems Inc. to produce many advanced high-temperature materials and composites. The materials have a ceramic matrix (alumina Al2O3, MgO, Al2O3-MgO, TiC-Al2O3, or Al2O3-TiB2) and exhibit high porosity. These materials can also be fabricated with a functional gradient, i.e., with a change in chemistry and/or porosity within the same sample. When compared to traditional manufacturing techniques for high-temperature materials, combustion synthesis has the advantages of energy and time saving methods, high purity final product, simplicity of process and low cost. The target application for the porous ceramics is as high temperature acoustic liners for noise reduction in rocket and jet engines. The proposed work is Phase I of the project.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Porous ceramics will be applied to rocket engine acoustic liners to reduce acoustic emissions and transmitted acoustic loads.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Jet engine acoustic liners and blast furnace acoustic liners.
High temperature insulation, both thermal and acoustic.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Edwin P Stankiewicz
ed.stankiewicz@ultramet.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The massive acoustic loads produced by launch vehicles can detrimentally affect the proper functioning of vehicle components, payloads, and launch support structures. The high-velocity and high temperature rocket engine exhaust stream mixes with ambient atmosphere to generate intense acoustic loads, which account for the majority of structural vibration during launch. Ultramet has developed a unique, high temperature material that has demonstrated passive broadband sound attenuation over a range of frequencies and can withstand temperatures in excess of 1650 C (3000 F). In this project, Ultramet proposes to team with the Graduate Program in Acoustics at Pennsylvania State University (PSU) to develop and test a scale model to validate the impedance of this novel high temperature acoustic liner. An innovative, porous acoustic material will be developed that has demonstrated thermal, corrosion, acoustic, and mechanical load resistance at high temperatures, and porosity, pore size, pore shape, and material of construction will be varied to optimize mechanical and acoustic performance over a wide range of frequencies, amplitudes, and gas flow velocities and temperatures. Ultramet and PSU will also develop a basic numerical model to aid in the design of an economical and efficient liner exhaust duct system.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential NASA applications for the proposed high temperature acoustic liner include passive sound absorption systems for launch facilities, high temperature silencers for afterburner-equipped engines, and lightweight silencer systems for flight applications.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential commercial applications for the proposed high temperature acoustic liner include high temperature silencers for industrial burner systems, lightweight hush kits for commercial aircraft, lightweight mufflers for general aviation aircraft, and catalytic converters for commercial jet aircraft.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Oliver Boone Bucher
mturner@soundsorb.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this Phase I STTR project for NASA, Concrete Solutions Inc (CSI), together with the University of Texas at Austin (UTA), will develop a detailed research plan that will provide for an acoustic liner that is capable of withstanding high exhaust temperatures up to 3,000 F over a range of sound frequencies.

Using CSI?s patented product, SoundSorb, a cementitious material that is used extensively in the transportation industry to attenuate the reflection of highway and railway noise, the CSI/UTA team will develop (1) Formulation and testing of SoundSorb, or variants thereof, that will meet the requirements of sound absorption, heat and vibration for the target application; (2) Develop an application system or process that can be used to manufacture acoustic liners of this material; and (3) Develop a scale model to validate and demonstrate that the material can meet or exceed the requirements of the liners.

SoundSorb? has been tested under several ASTME testing regimes required by various governmental and transportation organizations. It has passed all these tests for acoustic behavior, durability and extreme weather conditions. This project will show feasibility for use in this application.

In Phase II, CSI/UTA will produce prototype liners for testing in actual launch conditions.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The successful completion of Phase II of this project will create a product that can be placed in extreme environmental conditions of sound, heat and vibration, with the purpose of significantly reducing reflected sound. Also, the ability to apply this material in a retro-fit environment, where the structure is already in place, is of critical importance. This means that the material is suitable for both new construction and pre-existing structures.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The successful completion of Phase II of this project will create a product that can be retro-fitted into existing structures where sound absorption and fire retardant capabilities are needed. These include: Airport terminals, utility power plants, correctional facilities, industrial applications, museums and libraries, amusement parks, classrooms, dormitories, mechanical rooms, athletic facilities, restaurants, atriums and lobbies, hospitals, theatres, convention centers, kennels, musical instrument practice rooms, concert halls, loading docks, waste treatment plants, natatoriums and night clubs.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Floyd   Roberts
Floyd@Mabels.biz
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
MPAC and UMR are proposing development of an Acoustic Control System for high temperature gas flow in ducts. This control system is based on a passive inorganic acoustical coating. MPAC has developed and applied for a patent on a architectural acoustical control coating with unusually high wear resistance, a noise reduction coefficient of 0.5, and excellent low frequency damping. UMR has long experience in modeling acoustic treatment in ducts with high speed flow and has world class facilities for experimental characterization of acoustic materials and systems. The proposal team is committed to a phase one proof of concept deliverable consisting of passive coatings for application. This acoustic control coating, if successful, would provide a very low cost high reliability acoustical damping for hot gas structures.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The NASA applications of the technology involve use of the developed acoustical abatement system in launch facilities and in a wide variety of test stands.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The commercial applications for this work are directed at noise reduction and employee safety in foundry facilities, commercial launch facilities, and oil drilling facilities. It should be noted that there is expected commercial in the development of liners which for commercial jet aircraft and hanger facilities.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jay   Carter, Jr.
carter@wf.net
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
slowed rotor / compound (SL/C) aircraft offer VTOL combined with fixed-wing flight-efficiencies. They are safer than any other type aircraft -- with much lower acquisition, maintenance and operational cost than helicopters and tiltrotors. Carter Aviation Technologies began developing SL/C aircraft in 1994 and began flying a prototype, the CarterCopter Technology Demonstrator (CCTD) in 1998. This proposal, using CCTD data, will provide a prototype 2-seat SR/C, VTOL aircraft that meets NASA?s PAVE goals. Reduced community noise is provided by a computerized propeller, designed for quietness, which operates at low tip-speeds and is protected by tail-booms. The non-stalling autorotating rotor provides low tip-speeds, eliminates the helicopter ?dead man zone? and provides the equivalent of an emergency parachute. Low cost per seat mile is provided by simplified construction, reduced parts count and high flight-efficiency. During VTOL and low-speed flight, SR/C aircraft fly like an autogyro having the same hp to weight ratio. Autogyros are the easiest aircraft to learn to fly safely. Pilot workload is simplified by an automated tilting pylon that keeps the wings in best L/D, an automated boosted collective and automated rotor flapping controls. The landing gear absorbs 24 ft/sec impacts. Only the tilting pylon is untested.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Carter SR/C aircraft technology is fully scalable by design. It has application for safe, low-cost VTOL 200 mph PAVs having a 1000 mile range for rural, regional and intra-urban on-demand transportation as envisioned by the NASA SATS program. The same technology can be applied equally to micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and huge intercontinental transport aircraft. The global market for UAVs of all sizes is large and rapidly growing ? yet currently there are very few flight-efficient UAVs having VTOL abilities. An appropriately designed Carter SR/C UAV with VTOL would be ideal for long-range exploration on Mars.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
the SR/C PAV can be made roadable by using 3 wheel motorcycle rules. Its 24-ft rotor is locked fore & aft with red ?oversize load? flags on the ends. The main wheels provide 50 mph highway speeds via a simple variable speed drive and differential. VTOL combined with the autorotating rotor?s ?safety parachute? negates problems of other roadable PAVs and provides a viable option to helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Fast-build kits for a VTOL 4-
seat, 1000 mile, 200 mph roadable SR/C PAV would cost $55,000 (less engine and avionics) if 500-1000 built per year. Fast-build RV10 kits now costs $45,000.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Susan   Okray
sokray@munroassoc.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A critical barrier for GA to serve as viable and volume personal transportation is the lack of a cost-effective, yet open-growth, Lean Design and manufacturing technologies using automotive manufacturing technologies in for new personal airplanes. Munro & Associate and Michigan SATS share a vision, ?The CAR of the FUTURE is an Airplane?. This STTR?s goal is to create an innovative, Lean Design PAV design through 21st century automotive industry technologies ? Such designs systems will serve as a vital enabler for turning NASA's PAV Vision into reality.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential NASA Application(s): (Limit 100 words or 1,500 characters, whichever is less)
Today?s General Aviation propellers are expensive, and cost approximately $3,000 per blade for variable pitch. The automotive technologies proposed have the potential to allow PAV propellers to be manufactured for $300 per blade. These manufacturing techniques allow new materials for improved fatigue life and corrosion resistance. In addition these enable low noise propellers using thin blade sections that reduce noise components due to blade thickness. The proposed propeller blade section and geometry design will reduce fly over noise. Thus the Munro & MI SATS STTR project supports both the low noise & low cost goals of PAV

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential Non-NASA Commercial Application(s):
Commercial applications include full scale propeller blade manufacturing for new as well as the 100,000 plus existing small airplanes in the country. In the future it will cover propulsor manufacturing for such PAVs as well.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Greg   Stevenson
admin@gsehfe.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Next generation General Aviation (GA) Sport Class air vehicles limited to 1200lbs, represent the first opportunity to overhaul the FAA certification process necessary to manufacture affordable aircraft. With propulsion representing over one-third of the direct manufacturing costs of the entire aircraft, dramatic reductions in aircraft engine costs must be achieved by design, economy of scale, and modern Quality Assurance (QA) manufacturing techniques. Future on-demand intra-urban Personal Air Vehicles (PAV) will require a breakthrough in affordable ($20/hp) propulsion technology capable of STOL or VTOL performance with specific weight ratio above 1hp/lb. Affordable engines of this performance do not exist today. Therefore this propulsion system study proposes to examine 3 innovative concepts of widely different configurations, namely: Advanced Uniflow Supercharged 4-cycle; Advanced Contra-Prop Supercharged 2-cycle; and Free Piston/Turbine designs. The common design philosophy of maximum breathing capacity, unobstructed combustion chamber design, and high mechanical/structural efficiency ensures maximum power density on multi-fuels at the lowest cost. Economy of scale and QA production are approached by innovative/universal design that is aligned with recreational engine power and manufacturing practices.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
- ERAST - VTOL Helicopters
- PAVE - RAC
- GAP - SATS
- UAV - STOL Aircraft
- AGATE

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
- All recreational vehicles - UAV's
- General Aviation/Sport Class - Portable industrial power
- Small utility engines - Portable outboard marine

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Greg   Stevenson
admin@gsehfe.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed PAVE propulsion system technology demonstration combines an innovative high-speed aero-diesel engine with a novel ducted fan assembly resulting in a low noise/cost and high performance propulsion system. The core engine makes extensive use of a novel self-injection, compression ignition/combustion system capable of high-speed operation on kerosene-based fuels without degradation due to variations in fuel viscosity, lubricity and cetane value. Propulsion system safety is greatly enhanced by inherent single lever control, the employment of high flash point fuel, and the absence of fuel injection system degradation when operating on variable viscosity/lubricity Jet-A fuel having unregulated cetane values. Competing aero-diesel developments are dependant on OEM fuel system manufactures that are not willing to sell their system intended for aviation use due to the low lubricity of Jet fuel and the high product liability of General Aviation industry. On the contrary the preferred self-injection system does not require any specialized equipment to produce and is comparable in cost to a carburetor. The multi-fuel combustion system is controlled by the "Fuel deposit on the wall" method of injection. The controlled combustion is characterized by having modest pressure rise and virtually absent combustion noise thus eliminating the classic "diesel knock" and greatly improving the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the installation.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
- ERAST - VTOL Helicopters
- PAVE - RAC
- GAP - SATS
- UAV - STOL Aircraft
- AGATE

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Commercial/Military Applications:

- Sport Aircraft - Airboats
- Backpack Parafoil - Outboard Motors
- Ultralights - PWC Jet Pumps
- General Aviation - VTOL Aircraft
- Utility Blowers - Misc.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
David   Zimdars
dzimdars@picometrix.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this Phase I STTR project, we propose to develop the critical innovations necessary for a high speed three dimesnional terahertz (THz) tomographic imaging system for aerospace non destructive evaluation (NDE) applcations. NASA and the Aerospace industry are beginning to utilize THz reflection imaging (for example, examining the space shuttle external tank sprayed on foam insulation for voids and disbonds). THz NDE imaging is widely applicable to composite resin, ceramic, plastic, natural, and other non-metallic materials. Current commercial equipment is capable of two dimensional raster scanning. The wider utility of THz NDE technology can be more fully exploited for the development of NASA and aerospace applications if the full potential for high speed three dimensional THz imaging is realized. The current state of the art equipment collects the THz waveform reflection from a very narrow depth range from a strongly reflective backing. The proposed innovations will increase the dynamic range of the THz waveform acquisition to allow collection of reflections from weaker interfaces, and will increase the window of high speed scanning of the THz waveform to allow three dimensional images to be reconstructed for objects many inches thick.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are many NASA-specific materials that could be imaged in three dimensions using the proposed terahertz imaging technique. These include: thermal protection systems (space shuttle silica tiles), sprayed on foam insulation, cork layers used in the boaster rockets and even carbon-carbon material (depending on our enhanced dynamic range). These materials are in systems in which the examination of new construction for flaws (voids, disbonds, inclusions, improper geometry and dimensions, and incomplete curing) may be critical. Likewise, as spacecraft and aircraft age it will be critical to periodically inspect some systems for damage or chemical degradation.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Both civilian and military industry should be able to utilize the terahertz non destructive evaluationfor many of the same applications as NASA. Beyond NASA?s applications, terahertz three dimensional imaging will find applications in the inspection of automobile dashboards, imaging behind walls and flooring surfaces in construction, inspection for delamination of printed circuit boards and tires as well as with manufactured parts such as tiling and paper products. For homeland security, it would possible to check for concealed weapons in clothing or shoes, and image through cardboard packages and containerized crates.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Shiv P Joshi
sjoshi@nextgenaero.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NextGen Aeronautics is proposing an innovative space qualified non-destructive evaluation and health monitoring technology. The technology is built on concepts developed by PIs from the University of South Carolina (USC) and NextGen. Excitation of preferential Lamb/Rayleigh wave modes, utilization of phased array concepts, and utilization of software algorithms rather than hardware for beam forming and signal analysis, are three innovative concepts in the proposed technology. These concepts set our approach apart from most of the technologies in use or under development at present. The purpose of Phase I effort is to firmly establish the feasibility of the technology developed at USC. This will be mostly accomplished by experimental validation on realistic test articles. Stiffened, bonded and mechanically fastened metallic panels will be fabricated and tested to mitigate most of the risk going into Phase II. We will demonstrate the ability to detect cracks, corrosion and debonds. Technology, under planned development, will be applicable to various metallic, composite, plastic and ceramic materials as structural material or adhesives, sealants and coatings. This technology offers the potential for low cost and light weight damage detection capabilities to permit continuous or on-demand structural damage assessment of the entire structure.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed structural health monitoring technology can reduce the risk of failure, and maintenance costs for aerospace vehicles. It is particularly attractive for space applications because of light weight, space qualifiable attributes and reliability by virtue of simplicity. It can potentially be put on satellites, space stations, space shuttles and planetary exploration vehicles. It is complementary to many efforts underway in structural and vehicle health and usage monitoring at many NASA research and development facilities

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are many potential applications to the aerospace, civilian infrastructure, automotive and manufacturing industries. The potential applications of structural health monitoring systems and benefits of this emerging technology are well documented. The key commercialization drivers in non-NASA applications is life cycle cost, avoidance of catastrophic failure and inspection of hard to reach places. Continuous or on-demand inspection of bridges, buildings, off-shore structures and oil drilling machinery will be among the first non-aerospace application NextGen will pursue after maturing the technology.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Alexander   Sutin
asutin@stevens-tech.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Time Reversal Acoustic (TRA) structural health monitoring with an embedded sensor array represents a new approach to in-situ nondestructive evaluation of air-space systems. The suggested approach is based on a sufficient improvement of recently developed Electro-Mechanical Impedance method and will use a similar array of embedded sensors. The application of TRA principles will significantly improve the system?s ability to detect the presence of structural faults and localize damage due to directive focusing of the ultrasonic signals radiated by many sensors. Scanning of the focus will give the necessary information for tomographic mapping of damage and degradation. During Phase I, the principles of TRA system with embedded sensors for damage detection will be developed and feasibility test will be conducted on composite and metal parts with increasing levels of damage. The developed TRA software and hardware will form a basis for the prototype that will be built in Phase II.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The suggested work will lead to a simple, cost-effective commercial sensor technology and instrumentation for the in-situ diagnosis of damage formation and accumulation in airspace systems. This will permit early detection of damage and therefore increase efficiency and reliability of maintenance schedules.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed novel technology will have broad civilian applications for the quality control in manufacturing, assessment of structural integrity of materials prior to assembling, immediately following assembling, and during operational life. One of the most promising applications of new technique is self-diagnosis of damage in fiber-reinforced composites used in aerospace structures.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Joseph    Heyman
heymanj@lunainnovations.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
To date, bond strength is considered one of the ?holy grails? for NDE. Preliminary data indicates that the Luna Nonlinear Ultrasonic Bond Strength (NUBS) monitor will permit a nondestructive evaluation of bond strength for many classes of adhesives and bond configurations. The technology is based on high-resolution ultrasonic measurements that extract nonlinear parameters of the elastic bond properties. Working with Professor David Dillard, a recognized international expert in adhesion science at Virginia Tech., the Luna team will validate the NUBS concept using butt-joints and shear-lap joints with a family of adhesives and surface preparations. The tests will help Luna optimize the device electronic design while determining the range of use for quantitative assessments.

The result of this R&D if carried to the Phase II will be a cost-effective field instrument that has wide applicability for one-sided bond assessment testing. This is especially critical for NASA as aerospace structures rely more and more on adhesives for beneficial design characteristics.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Nearly every aerospace structure includes bonded elements. For many structures, the bonds are crit-1, such as for the SRM insulation, the ET SOFI, and the Shuttle tiles. Many aircraft utilize bonding and then add mechanical fasteners as back-up. It is possible that the Luna NUBS will provide added confidence in predicting bond strength to alter the design paradigm as well as enhance vehicle safety. This is an opportunity to evaluate an innovative approach to an important problem for the Agency.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The potential market for this device is enormous, estimated conservatively at greater than $40M in the first five years. Validation testing through a NASA STTR will provide the archival data necessary for giving the technology the visibility and credibility to make it to the commercial sector. Data from a leading university center of excellence combined with Luna?s track record for commercialization provides a jump-start for a spin-off company focused on this product. Applications abound: aerospace industry, auto industry, sports industry, furniture industry, medical products to name a few areas.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
David    Siviter
siviterd@heatinc.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Harsh Environment Applied Technologies, ThermTech Services and James Madison University have formed a research and development team to investigate the design of a portable thermal line scanning inspection system. The technique involves the movement of a linear heat source across the outer surface of the tubing followed by an infrared imager at a fixed distance behind the heater. Quantitative images of the material loss due to corrosion are reconstructed from measurements of the induced surface temperature variations. The application of the thermal line source coupled with the analysis technique represents a significant improvement in the inspection speed and accuracy for large structures such as boiler water-walls. Wall thinning due to corrosion in utility boiler water-wall tubing is a significant operational concern for boiler operators. Conventional ultrasonic inspection is currently used. This is very manpower intense and slow. Thickness measurements are typically taken over a relatively small percentage of the total boiler wall and statistical analysis is used to determine the overall condition of the boiler tubing. Other inspection techniques, such as electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT), have recently been evaluated; however they provide only a qualitative evaluation, identifying areas where corrosion has significantly reduced the wall thickness. ThermTech Services in cooperation with NASA Langley Research Center has developed a thermal NDE technique designed to quantitatively measure the wall thickness and thus determine the amount of material thinning present in steel boiler tubing. This STTR proposal is focused on further development of this innovative but proven technique to expand into the inspection of aerospace superstructures and eventually in orbit applications.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Thermal line scanning remote controlled and handheld versions can be effectively employed in performing non-destructive evaluations (NDE's) of aerospace systems both on the ground and in orbit. Applications include inspection of flat or cylindrical airframe sections of vehicles and orbiting structures to locate and characterize the effects of corrosion, disbond of adhesives, and mechanical damage in the various materials used in the construction of the component/system. Various materials could include metallic components as well as fiberglass or composites.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The availability of a small, maneuverable non-destructive evaluations (NDE) scanner using the ThermTech thermal line scanning NDE system may be applicable for inspecting small or complex tanks and containers holding hazardous or contents that are otherwise critical or difficult to handle. In addition, we have determined that oftentimes when inspecting large areas the need for a small compact unit comes into play where there are obstructions to our larger scanning units.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Kelly   Stinson-Bagby
bagbyk@lunainnovations.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Advanced space fission systems are being developed as safe and affordable space propulsion alternatives for long-term space exploration. The characterization of non-nuclear test core simulators is limited by the lack of instrumentation options available for temperature and strain measurements. Luna Innovations proposes to develop sensors based on a fiber Bragg grating system for temperature and strain measurements. These fiber optic sensors can provide 20 to 100 times more sensing points as thermocouples on interior and exterior surfaces of the core simulator, which are expected to reach temperatures of 1000?C. In addition, Luna Innovations will work with a university partner to develop a modeling strategy to characterize the core by comparing critical data collected during operation (power distribution, temperature, strain, etc.). Hence, an array of sensors will map the physical responses of the core and produce a working feedback model for use in optimization studies of the system.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
This technology will be specifically developed for use in the SAFE-100 non-nuclear core test bed; however, the potential applications extend to numerous applications. For example, health monitoring of shuttle tiles, solid rocket fuel monitoring, rocket test characterization, or life support system characterization and optimization. The use of this distributed sensing system extends to any applications requiring minimally intrusive, temperature and strain measurements in harsh-environment operations.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Distributed harsh-environment temperature and strain measurements will be applicable in a wide variety of industries, including aircraft structural and engine health monitoring, fuel cell operations, power and space turbine applications, automotive and military applications. Luna has been working in each of these industries to improve operation safety and efficiencies. This project will allow for further development of this existing technology to extend into the unique area of harsh-environment sensing.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Terry   Kammash
tkammash@umich.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The gasdynamic mirror (GDM) plasma thruster has the ability to confine high-density plasma for the length of time required to heat it to the temperatures corresponding to specific impulse requirements. The often-cited plasma confinement time is directly proportional to the mirror ratio and the length, and is inversely proportional to the square root of ion energy. This confinement law, however, ignores the role of the ambipolar (electrostatic) potential which arises as a result of the rapid escape of electrons through the mirrors due to their small mass. This positive potential tends to accelerate the ions while slowing down the electrons until both species drift out at the same rate. It is expected, therefore, that a larger specific impulse and larger thrust will arise in the presence of ambipolar potential but at the expense of a longer device to maintain a desired confinement time. This proposal is aimed at a theoretical and computational investigation of the impact of the ambipolar potential on the propulsive capability of the GDM thruster. It includes the generation of parameters that will allow experimental verification of this phenomenon using the existing GDM device at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
One NASA objective for future space transportation systems is that they be faster, safer and more reliable. The gasdynamic mirror (GDM) plasma thruster lends itself to these objectives. It can be operated as an electric propulsion system that can open up space to human exploration. There is the potential for use in a future fusion propulsion systems. Recent developments point to future reductions in system mass with corresponding increases in cost effectiveness.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Gasdynamic mirror (GDM) plasma thrusters have direct commercial application to missions envisioned for the Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) initiative. If the GDM plasma thruster proves feasible there will be a commercial market for the thrusters and their associated power conditioning equipment. Users would include the military, for missions requiring high-power thrusters, and aerospace manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Fusion-based advanced propulsion systems using GDM plasma thruster technology are a future possibility for both military and commercial applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Matthew Earle Palmer
palmerm@lunainnovations.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Luna Innovations is teaming with the University of Alabama, Huntsville, to develop a miniature flush-mounted fiber-optic pressure sensor that will allow accurate, high-frequency high-pressure measurement of LOx and LH2. The Innovation of this system is that the sensor is not intrusive, will not interfere with the flow field, and is a novel adaptation of proven technology. To insure compatibility with the LOx environment, the sensor will be constructed from metal-oxides, ceramics and other materials that are intrinsically safe. The sensor will help engineers optimize performance of liquid fueled rocket engines for the next generation of reusable lift vehicles, and flight versions of the sensors will enable real-time monitoring and control of the engines, improving safety and enabling commercialization of space. During the Phase I, a prototype sensor will be designed and tested to verify feasibility. Materials and bonds will be tested to insure compatibility with LOx. During the Phase II, optimized sensors will be constructed and extensive tests conducted to advance the technology to pre-production status. This system meets NASA?s goals by providing LOx and LH2 pressure data while: 1) minimizing intrusion, 2) improving reliability, 3) having fast response time, and 4) being intrinsically safe.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The following NASA applications have been identified as possible beneficiaries of the proposed technology:
? NASA research on the next generation re-usable launch vehicle technologies (NGLT).
? NASA research on low cost and safer engine technologies for the commercialization of Space
? DOD and NASA research in SCRAM jet propulsion technology
? DOD and NASA research in advanced air-breathing and hybrid propulsion systems for the Orbital Space Plane (OSP) and X-43

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Luna has worked extensively with major aerospace manufacturers, and has identified several applications that could benefit from the proposed technology:
? Development of lower cost and safer engine technologies for the commercialization of space
? Commercial rocket engine testing and operation
? Control of LOX systems for industrial smelting operations

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jagdish P. Singh
singh@dial.msstate.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
SSC needs the sensors that are capable and can be operated in liquid oxygen (LOX) and or liquid hydrogen (LH2) cryogenic environment to improve SSC cryogenic testing. In particular, the Stennis Space Center (SSC) would like to develop a sensor to monitor the quality of LOX in the delivery line during the testing of a rocket engine. Spontaneous Raman scattering (SRS) with its relative simplicity and multi-molecule analysis can be easily employed to develop a sensor for on-line, real-time measurement. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a SRS sensor, which is able to provide sub-millisecond sampling time for detecting nitrogen percent concentration in cryogenic propellants. During Phase I, a SRS system based on photo multiplier tube detection will be designed. The experimental parameters will be evaluated to achieve optimum response time and sensitivity. A prototype will be delivered to NASA/SSC at the end of Phase I. The study from Phase I will provide the necessary information to improve the phase II prototype design to achieve sub millisecond response time and better sensitivity. In Phase II, a prototype SRS system will be developed and tested at SSC and will be delivered to NASA/SSC for on line measurement

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
A Raman based sensor can provide on-line and real-time measurement of nitrogen concentration with millisecond response time which is needed by NASA/SSC cryogenic testing. This sensor can be used for real-time monitoring of nitrogen concentration in LOX or LH2 feed line during the SSC engine test. This sensor can be used to shutdown the LOX feed control valve when the LN2 concentration exceed a pre-determined concentration

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
A sensor based on Raman spectroscopy developed for this proposal can also be used to monitor the chemical composition in large chemical reactor to provide the data to optimize the efficiency of the processing plant and to control the chemical processing in the plant. When the concentration of certain element reaches above the threshold the sensor will send the warning signal for safety operation of the plant. The laser Raman sensor can be used for quality control in pharmaceutical, chemical and food processing industries. The technology can also be modified for application such as hydrate exploration in deep sea drilling.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Raman   Mehra
rkm@ssci.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this STTR project Scientific Systems Company, Inc. (SSCI) and Brigham Young University (BYU) propose to design, implement, and test an Autonomous Coordinated Control And Management System (ACCAMS) for multiple Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) engaged in cooperative missions under rapidly changing environment. Over the past few years, BYU has developed an effective approach for complex cooperative missions such as the coordinated multiple UAV rendezvous mission. In this project we plan to enhance this approach by integration of Failure Detection, Identification, and Reconfiguration (FDIR) algorithms, Achievable Dynamic Performance (ADP) estimation algorithms, and high level decision making logic to the control architecture. The integration of these algorithms allow the UAVs to make intelligent decisions in the presence of subsystem failures or external threats in an autonomous fashion. The FDIR algorithms detect and identify the failure when it occurs, and reconfigures the controller to continue the mission if possible. It also estimates the new ADP and pass this information to the upper layers to decide if the trajectory/path/mission need to be changed after the failure or threat has occurred. We also plan to conduct flight tests of the baseline coordinated control scheme to demonstrate the path planning and trajectory generation capabilities using the BYU fixed-wing UAV testbed during Phase I.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Current applications of the proposed Autonomous Coordinated Control And Management system are in the area of intelligent autonomy for multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) engaged in cooperative missions such as hazardous site inspection and combating forrest fire. Autonomous intelligent control systems will find wide applications in the military such as Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) mission. Other potential applications are envisioned in the areas of robotics, and unmanned ground, underwater and surface vehicles.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed Autonomous Coordinated Control And Management system and related technologies are critical for realizing the vision of using a fleet of low-cost UAVs or spacecraft to replace expensive vehicles in many Earth observing or space exploration missions. The technologies developed under this project are expected to predict and prevent mechanical and software malfunctions, and reconfigure the control when they happen. Our technologies will also allow the vehicles to make intelligent decisions at higher-level autonomously, which will lead to higher mission success rate.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Marjorie A. Darrah
mdarrah@isr.us
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Our proposed innovation is to develop neural network (NN) rule extraction technology to a level where it can be incorporated into a software tool, we are calling NNRules, which captures a trained neural network?s decision logic and uses it as a basis for verification and validation (V&V) of the neural network. This formalism has never been attempted. The significance of the NNRules innovation is that:
? The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Aviation Administration are currently researching the potential of neural networks in mission- and safety-critical systems.
? High assurance neural network applications require rigorous verification and validation techniques.
? The adaptive and ?black box? characteristics of neural networks make verification and validation of neural networks practically intractable.
? Rule-based systems have a more visible, and potentially human readable, decision logic that supports a robust set of verification techniques.
? Neural network rule extraction research has developed algorithms that translate a neural network into an equivalent set of rules. NNRules embeds this technology in a generally usable tool that will dramatically increase the ability to V&V high assurance neural networks.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Possible NASA neural network applications include adaptive flight control, mission planning, deep space autonomous operations, and vehicle health monitoring. Our proposed innovation provides R&D of V&V methods for neural networks, potentially assisting in the increased use of neural networks. Adaptive flight control neural networks can correctly control the vehicle in response to unknown or unforeseeable situations. In deep space, the closed loop command path between spacecraft and Earth is too long in duration to ensure ground based response to critical events. Neural Nets enable the spacecraft to make critical decisions autonomously to both maintain system health and enhance science collection.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The Navy has been researching incorporating neural networks into ship operations as an enhancement to its Smart Ship technology. With neural networks, the trust in ship critical operations is compromised until they can be verified and validated. FAA interest in neural networks sparked a joint effort with NASA ARC, researching how neural networks can be used in flight control systems and successfully testing neural networks in critical systems on the DFRC F-15 test plane. Intelligent planes with neural networks can learn permissible flight envelopes and be trained not to fly outside those envelopes, circumventing a repeat of 9/11.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Javier   deluis
deluis@payload.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
As space missions become increasingly complex, they demand increased reliance on spacecraft to adjust to unexpected or unfamiliar events without the assistance of real-time human-in-the-loop control. Such conditions as a thruster failure moments before an automated docking, or imprecise or unknown inertial properties due to fuel slosh, partially deployed appendages, etc., can cause controllers to become unstable or otherwise unable to complete their objectives. Based on our prior work in control systems and specifically in developing the existing Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, & Reorient Experimental Satellites (SPHERES) ISS testbed, we propose to analytically characterize the requirements to implement algorithms for autonomous thruster fault identification, fuel slosh and online inertia property estimation on the SPHERES system. This Phase I effort will focus on the necessary software architecture changes and any hardware modifications required to implement these algorithms using SPHERES. Successful completion of this effort will produce specifications and preliminary designs for all necessary components, and pending a manifest opportunity, lead to testing the new algorithms in ISS within Phase II. This proposal offers valuable innovation in three respects: creation of novel spacecraft control algorithms, rapid advancement from concept to spaceflight demonstration, and low-cost/high-return use of existing spaceflight resources.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The market for the SPHERES-AIT testbed has two components. NASA JPL is the primary customer in the context of developing and operating the TPF mission. The second component are government agencies, including the USAF and DARPA, which also have in development missions that utilize multiple spacecraft, such as the DARPA Orbital Express program. These programs will have need for many of the technologies that will be developed as part of SPHERES-AIT. Because SPHERES-AIT is extraordinarily inexpensive relative to other spaceflight and associated ground research systems, we believe that these programs would find it a useful technology development tool.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The major application for the proposed SPHERES-AIT technology is the NASA JPL Terrestrial Planet Finder program. Other potential applications exist for any NASA program involved with on-orbit cooperative spacecraft, including distributed spacecraft systems and on-orbit rendezvous and docking. This testbed has the potential for numerous missions on the ISS, and experiment time (or even additional testbeds) may be provided under cooperative arrangements between the developers and sponsoring agencies.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Michael J.  Roemer
mike.roemer@impact-tek.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Impact Technologies LLC, in cooperation the Georgia Institute of Technology, proposes to develop and demonstrate an innovative Automated Contingency Management (ACM) concept for advanced propulsion systems that will provide a superior level of engine fault accommodation and optimized performance based on a seamless integration between the engine health management (EHM) system and the engine controller. Utilizing a sophisticated engine simulation model with full transient capability and integrated control, a software-in-the-loop demonstration will be delivered that will be capable of realistically simulating various control sensor failures, actuator faults, and engine degradation scenarios with associated results obtained comparing the benefits of the ACM technologies implemented.

The proposed ACM software hierarchy will act from the engine subsystems level up through the air vehicle level and will implement advanced fault-accommodating control, health management, and intelligent software agents to accomplish its goal. The core innovations of this project include: 1.) The development of advanced fault detection algorithms for sensor, actuator and component faults in different flight regimes; 2.) The development of intelligent software agents for achieving optimal dynamic performance under faulty propulsion dynamics; and 3.) The development of reconfigurable control algorithms linked to the EHM system for guaranteeing the stability of the fault-accommodating control system.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed Automated Contingency Management technologies will be directly applicable to propulsion, reusable launch vehicles, unmanned air vehicles and future generation General Aviation platforms. It will lead to benefits in the form of improving reliability, maintainability, and survivability of safety-critical aerospace systems.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The potential commercial use of the developed technologies is broad. Examples of key customers that could benefit through use of the developed technologies include: unmanned combat air vehicles, future combat systems, commercial airlines, land and marine propulsion systems, industrial actuation systems, and robotic applications. The aero propulsion domain alone has thousands of potential systems to address with this technology.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Gerald   Andersen
gandersen@nextgenaero.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Commercially available software suites such as the Automate Structural Optimization System (ASTROS) and MSC/NASTRAN represent the current industry standard in multidisciplinary design and optimization (MDO) tools. The primary capabilities of these products have remained largely unchanged since their initial release. In the analysis and design of modern aerospace vehicles, the deficiencies of these legacy tools are becoming increasingly clear. The linear aerodynamic methods employed by these tools are not appropriate when transonic flight regimes are considered or when other nonlinearities are present, particularly when these techniques are used to predict flight vehicle performance. Although advances in computational power and numerical techniques present an opportunity to employ higher fidelity methods, the development of new software is proceeding slowly. The effort described in this Phase I proposal describes a means by which nonlinear analytic and experimental data can be used to improve the accuracy of flight vehicle performance predictions by utilizing existing analysis tools. A procedure is presented to integrate a finite element based analysis and design tool with a nonlinear aerodynamic solver and graphical visualization system to provide improved correlation of simulated results with flight test data.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The development of a multidisciplinary analysis technique which utilizes nonlinear aerodynamics will immediately benefit many NASA research and development efforts, particularly at NASA Langley, Ames, and Dryden Research Centers where simulations are used to predict wind tunnel or flight test results. The method presented will yield a much higher correlation between predicted results and those obtained by experiment. NASA Dryden flight test efforts, such as the Active Aeroelastic Wing program, will benefit as more accurate predictions, such as maneuver performance and hinge moments can be made prior to the entry into flight tests.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are many potential benefits to the aerospace industry. With increased prediction accuracy through coupling of nonlinear aerodynamics with preliminary design tools, significant cost savings may be achieved. Increased confidence in simulated results could reduce the need for extensive and costly flight test programs. With more accurate design tools at their disposal, engineers can design vehicles with a higher likelihood of performing as they were intended at a reduced risk of encountering unforeseen design issues late in the development process. Furthermore, since a general design tool will eventually be developed, these benefits are applicable across a broad range of products.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Antony    Jameson
jameson@baboon.stanford.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A new multidisciplinary software environment ('MUSE') will be developed for the simulation of flight vehicles, drawing on the results of recent research on very fast algorithms, performed at Stanford University under Professor Antony Jameson's guidance. This new technology will be merged with Intelligent Aerodynamics' finite element methology implemented in the product FASTPLANE. This code, which uses multigrid acceleration techniques and is fully parallelized, can already perform^Msteady-state simulations of complete aircraft in less than 5 minutes on a 16 processor Beowulf cluster. The synergy resulting from the technology transfer will lead to a new level of capability for the simulation of both steady and unsteady flows, thus providing the platform needed to couple additional disciplines into an advanced multidisciplinary tool for aero-structural and thermal analysis. It can also provide the platform for a new generation of design-optimization software using the adjoint methodology developed by Antony Jameson and his collaborators during the last decade. Moreover, with further advances in the performance of computer hardware that can be anticipated, real time simulation of flight vehicles should in the future be feasible with this new software. This would provide a powerful new tool to support flight-testing.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Performance of Flight Vehicles
The steady and unsteady simulations will be useful for NASA scientists
to characterize the performance of flight vehicles and to streamline
the flight testing process.

Trajectory Analysis
Using the unsteady multi-disciplinary simulation tool it will be
possible to predict the trajectories of flight vehicles, and
eventually simulate separation maneuvers.

Advanced Concepts
It will provide a cost effective process for the
preliminary evaluation of advanced concepts including new hypersonic
vehicles and morphing configurations.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Aircraft Design
An efficient multidisciplinary simulation capability for flight
vehicles will enable a streamlined preliminary design process.
It may also play a role in reducing
the cost of certification.

Turbomachinery problems
The new advanced algorithms could
potentially lead to drastic reductions in
computational time and costs.

Simulation of rotor-craft
The new time-integration methods and finite
element methodology will allow
engineers and researchers to model blade motion and vortex wake
interaction, enabling high-fidelity helicopter rotor analysis.

Other Industrial Applications
Because fluid-structure
systems are so pervasive in all of mechanical engineering, our work
will be useful in many other industries.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Henry A. Carlson
hcarlson@htva.net
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Clear Science Corp. and Duke University propose to develop and demonstrate a new and efficient computational method of modeling nonlinear aeroelastic systems. The method will extend the scope of multi-disciplinary computational tools like NASA Dryden's STARS by augmenting linear eigenmode stability algorithms and coupled time-marching techniques. The objective is a low-dimensional model that accurately reflects nonlinearity in both structure and fluid and that is efficient enough to permit full exploration of parameter space. In Phase I, our team will evaluate two types of model order reduction: proper orthogonal decomposition of the coupled-system variables and the method of harmonic balancing. We will downselect one method based on efficiency, accuracy, and versatility, demonstrate its merit via a prototype problem, and design a comprehensive Phase II plan for model development and testing. The proposed innovation can minimize the risk of failure and maximize flight safety in aircraft like the F-18-AAW and X-43 by accurately and efficiently predicting nonlinear dynamics over a broad range of flight conditions. Integrating the nonlinear model with codes like STARS will augment the capability of quickly determining linear stability with the capability of efficiently analyzing nonlinear behavior like limit cycle oscillations, hysteresis, higher harmonic and sub-harmonic resonances, jump resonances, entrainment, beating, and period doubling.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed innovation offers new computational tools for designing next-generation aircraft like the NASA/Air Force F-18-AAW. Concepts like the F-18-AAW?s Active Aeroelastic Wing raise significant new challenges for engineers, requiring accurate prediction of nonlinear system responses in the presence of rapidly changing flight conditions and wing configurations. Integrating new methods of modeling nonlinear dynamics with existing NASA software can keep computational analysis capabilities apace with experimental flight testing. Computational models that cover a wide range of conditions and system responses (linear and nonlinear) will have a significant impact on design costs by reducing the number of required certification flight tests in future air vehicles and currently deployed systems.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Nonlinear behavior in coupled fluid-structure systems is ubiquitous, and commercial interest in engineering software designed to analyze these systems is high. Examples of nonlinear interactions between a flexible structure and surrounding flow include aircraft wings in flight, blood flow through arteries, the response of bridges and tall buildings to winds, turbine and compressor blade vibrations, the aero-response of automobile bodies (generating cabin noise), and oscillations in heat exchangers. Corresponding markets for software tools include the aerospace contractor community and civil transport airframe manufacturers, gas turbine and HVAC manufacturers, the automotive industry, rotorcraft companies, medical equipment manufacturers, and weapon system designers.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Pinakin   Patel
ppatel@fce.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)/ gas turbine hybrid power systems (HPSs) have been recognized by federal agencies and other entities as having the potential to operate at unprecedented levels of performance for terrestrial applications (e.g., 70% power generation efficiencies with significantly mitigated criteria pollutant and noise emissions). An innovative approach is proposed for leveraging competencies in high temperature fuel cell stack and system simulation/validation and manufacturing, in conjunction with robust aeronautical sub-system/system design capabilities, to optimize these promising systems for novel aerospace propulsion and power applications. NASA GRC?s ?Protect the Environment? and ?Explore New Aerospace Missions? initiatives are addressed via the proposed technical contributions to both alternative non-combustion and alternative fuels/combustion aeronautical power generation. SOFCs, the non-combustion alternative, serve as a promising fuel infrastructural bridge; because the technology engenders practical efficiencies between 45-60%, and it is amenable to a variety of fuel feeds (including hydrocarbons and hydrogen). The inclusion of the SOFCs into modified Brayton cycles also enhances combustion-based power/propulsion via its byproduct enhancement of the fuel quality and heating value upstream of the combustor. A rigorous conceptual design/validation study is proposed for Phase I, corresponding proof-of-concept enabling hardware development for Phase II, and NASA/non-NASA commercialization efforts for Phase III.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
NASA could use the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Turbine Hybrid power system for both aerospace and terrestrial applications. Successful development of the SOFC/T system will meet NASA's objective for environmentally attractive aero-propulsion and power systems. Potentially the SOFC/T system can be deployed for suborbital vehicles for auxilliary power as well as propulsion power. In addition, terrestrial applications using the SOFC/T system for distributed electic power generation could provide reliable, clean, highly efficient and very secure grid-independent power sources for NASA's facilities world-wide.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The potential distributed generation market for the proposed Solid Oxide Fuel Cell/Turbine hybrid is estimated to be over $1 billion. According to recent data [Federal Energy Technology Center, Fuel Cells --- Addressing Future Global Power Needs, Morgantown, 1997], the potential American market for solid oxide fuel cell-based power system ratings is between 435-975 MW. Considering current cost goals of $1000/kW - $1500/kW, this translates to $435MM-$1462.5MM. The global market was projected to be 1275 GW. Solid oxide fuel cell systems can attain a sizable portion of this market as well.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Hanwei    Lei
hlei@tjtechnologies.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The innovation proposed in this STTR program is a high temperature membrane to increase the efficiency and power density of PEM fuel cells. The NASA application is newly emerging electric aircraft propulsion systems. The proposed membrane is based on novel proton conducting polymeric materials that will not require humidification or the use of leachable dopants to enhance proton transport. Operation of fuel cells at temperatures > 150 ?C will facilitate heat and water management, increase the current density, and reduce the over-potentials for hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction. These advantages will translate to lower power system weight for propulsion applications through reduced fuel cell system size and improved fuel economy. The high temperature membranes will be based on new polymer materials recently discovered at the University of Michigan (UM). In this program T/J Technologies will collaborate with UM to transfer this technology into fuel cell applications through developing blends or copolymers designed to improve fuel cell performance. T/J Technologies will modify casting and fabrication methods for the new membrane materials. The overall goal of phase I is to demonstrate a novel membrane that is mechanically, thermally and chemically robust at >150 ?C and attains a proton conductivity > 0.1 S/cm2.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Electric propulsion is the primary NASA application for high temperature fuel cells. Electric aircraft propulsion will reduce noise and emissions, and may increase energy efficiency. Hybrid fuel cell/photovoltaic systems offer the potential for very extended and high altitude flights. This technology will enable new applications such as reconnaissance, weather forecasting, environmental monitoring, and communications relays. Other space applications would include replacements for batteries in LEO and GEO satellites or for portable high energy density power supplies in lights, cameras, tools, and communications equipment.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Higher temperature membranes are considered an enabling technology for a wide range of commercial PEMFC applications. High temperature operation will increase the rates of fuel cell reactions, decrease the amount of Pt catalyst in the electrodes, and dramatically decrease the system size and cost. Advances in this technology could benefit all of the key emerging fuel cell applications, including distributed stationary generation, motor vehicle propulsion, portable power supplies for soldiers, and replacements for rechargeable batteries in consumer electronics.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Wayne   Steffier
wayne.steffier@htcomposites.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Propulsion systems that provide high power to weight and minimal mass are required for the planned generation of nanospacecraft and nanosatellites. Power-MEMS can provide a low cost, highly scalable production approach to small power systems as well as distributed power systems. However, to achieve the desired efficiencies from the MEMS operating temperatures need to exceed the structural temperature limit of silicon. In conjunction with the MIT Micro-Engine program, many of the technologicalissues for the incorporation of a refractory reinforcement, such as silicon carbide, have already been addressed. Selective deposition of the silicon carbide is believed to address the last remaining processing issues for fabricating selectively reinforced Si/SiC hybrid wafers.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The successful incorporation of silicon carbide is an enabling technology for power-MEMS devices. In addition to microrockets, MEMS heat engines such as microturbines can benefit from SiC incorporation. Power-MEMS devices are predicted to be a rapidly growing field characterized by high specific power output. These devices can be utilized to power nanospacecraft and nanosatellites as well as larger systems when arrayed as a distributed power source.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Initial commercial applications would likely be for compact, low weight power sources. However due to the high specific power efficiencies, more traditional power applications can be addressed with arrays of power-MEMS. The selective deposition of SiC would also greatly advance the fabricability of elevated temperature MEMS sensors and controls. Elevated temperature pressure sensors capable of operation at greater than 400C is one such market.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Patrick   McMullen
pat@calnetix.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
For space-born energy storage systems, the energy to weight ratio is extremely important. From this perspective, a hubless flywheel energy storage design is very advantageous since most of the flywheel energy is stored in its outer circumference, while the core significantly adds to the system weight. One of the problems with this design is that conventional active magnetic bearings are difficult to integrate into the overall system. We propose to utilize recently developed Null-E Magnetic Bearings instead, which appear to be better suited for the hubless topology. Their major advantages over active magnetic bearings include inherent stability at high rotational speeds, simplicity, low cost and lack of laminated components. At the same time, Null-E bearings deliver the desired combination of high load capacity, stiffness and low rotational losses. They can be designed to operate as entirely passive systems with no electronics or external power supplies, or as partially active systems, with some supplementary electronics. A combination of different modes is also possible, e.g. an active system at low speeds and passive at high. The proposed study includes electromagnetic design and analysis of Null-E bearings as well as research of composite material technologies suitable for the proposed design.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Light-weight flywheel energy storage systems for applications in satellites and spacecrafts.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Flywheel Energy Storage systems for UPS, Power conditioning, Micro Turbines, Fuel Cells and Railroad applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Krishna C. Mandal
drauh@eiclabs.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
There is a continuing need within NASA for solar cells and arrays with very high specific power densities (1000-5000 kW/kg) for generating power in a new generation of ultralight space payloads. An emerging technology with promise to meet these ambitious goals are solar cells based on very thin films of discrete layers or interpenetrating networks (IPNs) of organic donors and acceptors. It is also recognized in the field of thin film inorganic solar cells, that it is possible to stack cells tuned to the blue, green and red portions of the solar spectrum, thus harvesting photons with less degradation of their energy. Theoretical efficiencies for multijunction solar cells are ~70% compared to ~30% for single junction devices. Indeed, these multijunction solar cells hold the current record for solar conversion efficiency. In this proposed joint STTR program between EIC Laboratories and the University of Florida, we will develop multijunction organic donor-acceptor solar cells as a means to achieve higher efficiencies than can be realized with single junction devices. Phase I will demonstrate feasibility using a two junction ?blue-red? device. Phase II will develop three junction devices and scaled up devices on lightweight flexible polymer substrates.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
NASA applications include power for microsatellites and planetary landers, and for powering adaptive optical flexible mirrors and antennas. Future needs include longterm power for deployed planetary exploration.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The cells are projected to provide power at ~$0.5/peak watt, which would strongly impact the domestic energy market as an alternative energy source. Other applications include power for battery charging, instrumentation, sensors, and remote installations.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
John   Slough
sloughj@comcast.net
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed work seeks to develop and optimize an electrode-less plasma propulsion system that is based on a high power helicon (HPH) that is being developed collaboratively between MSNW and the University of Washington. The helicon is well suited for this task, as it is known for efficient production of high-density plasmas. The proposed system takes helicon research into an entirely unexplored regime of high power, moving from the traditional kW level discharges to tens and hundreds of kW. Preliminary results indicate that it has excellent potential for making an efficient propulsion system with an estimated thrust of about 1 N for 50 kWe. Higher thrust levels are expected with optimization of its operational characteristics, particularly the addition of a magnetic nozzle that will facilitate conversion of thermal energy into directed flow. Numerical modeling will be employed to understand the relevant physics, and help determine the optimal thruster configuration. Scaling studies will determine the power levels where HPH is competitive or surpasses other systems under consideration for NASA?s higher power missions. Based on results, a plan for the complete system design and test demonstration of the HPH to be realized in Phase II will be detailed.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Successful development of the High Power Helicon (HPH) thruster would have application to several NASA missions, in particular the NASA nuclear electric propulsion initiatives such as Project Prometheus and the Jupiter Icy Moon Orbiter (JIMO). The HPH thruster would result in a robust, lightweight, high power, highly efficient, low cost, long-lived propulsion system that could also enable future NASA missions such as the human exploration of Mars.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are several other applications for the High Power Helicon. With the ability to operate efficiently at high density, Helicon discharges have been developed as plasma sources for plasma processing. The initial results for the HPH show downstream plasma distribution that is very uniform over a large area, which is ideal for plasma processing. The range of plasma densities and gasses have yet to be fully explored. Being electrode-less, requiring a power source ~ 100 V, and producing plasma in a highly transparent vessel, there is very likely application in the area of high intensity lighting.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Christina   Chen
christina.chen@udri.udayton.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Since high temperature Sm-Co based magnets were developed, a number of new applications have been introduced. NASA?s Xe+ ion propulsion engine used in Deep Space I (DS-I) is a prime example. The magnets with coating perform well at temperatures up to 550?C. Magnets without coating perform well in the current 10 kW Xe+ ion engines in the vacuum which exists in space and at temperatures up to 400?C. Additional challenges are expected in the missions NASA is planning. The new missions, with higher-powered engines, include travel toward the sun, to Jupiter, and planets beyond. In these higher-powered engines (> 10 kW) temperatures are expected to reach 550?C in vacuum to ~10-5 Torr. Technical data of the high temperature Sm-Co in the conditions of the NASA?s new mission are needed.
This program proposes to study the effects of radiation on physical and magnetic properties, and the thermal stability and its improvement, in vacuum at temperature up to 550?C, of Sm-Co high temperature magnets. Based on the results of this work, improvements to Sm-Co magnets will be made to enhance the performance of high power Xe+ ion propulsion engines.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The applications include the high-power ion engines to be used for Ion Propulsion of NASA?s Jupiter Mission. Consistent magnet performance is essential for the performance of the ion engine. The operating temperatures for these high-power ion engines will reach 550?C, and the operating conditions in the space will include vacuum and radiation. Of the variety of permanent magnet materials available, the Sm-Co high temperature magnet is the only magnet suitable for use in these high power ion engines. This proposed program will obtain the necessary data to ensure the performance of NASA?s spacecrafts powered by ion engines with consistent magnetic field.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The applications include traveling wave vacuum tubes (TWT) and ultra-high vacuum ion pumps for both industrial and military applications. TWT technology is widely used for satellite communications and military electronic warfare. One of the examples is the TWT used for the Towed Decoy which improves survivability of military Aircraft. TWT components with stacks of periodic Sm-Co magnets play a vital role for this task.

Ultra-high vacuum ion pump?s manufacturing processes include degassing at high temperatures in vacuum condition. The results of this program will help to improve the manufacturing process and enhance the performance.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jeffrey W. Roblee
jroblee@precitech.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The goal of this proposal is to develop a new method to create Non-Rotationally Symmetric (NRS) surfaces that overcomes the limitations of the current techniques and is fast, accurate and inexpensive. Diamond turning (DT) has revolutionized the fabrication of lightweight optical surfaces for defense and science applications such as forward-looking infrared radar and infrared spectrometers. It has made this impact not only because it can accurately and rapidly fabricate diffractive, refractive and reflective optical surfaces, but because it can create reference features tied to the optical surfaces to guarantee optical alignment. An emerging trend in optical design is the use of NRS surfaces that reduce complexity, bulk and weight. To create these surfaces, DT machines have been modified with a low-amplitude Fast Tool Servo, a third axis or a fly-cutter. The problem with the FTS is its limited range and the other techniques are plagued by thermal drift during long fabrication times. The proposed Live Axis Turning (LAT) process combines evolving technologies of air bearings, linear motors, high-resolution encoders and high-speed control systems into a moving lightweight toolpost on a conventional DT machine. The result is a more flexible machine that can increase production and reduce cost for NRS components.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There is a growing need for breakthrough instrument designs that will reduce the volume and mass of science packages while improving performance. A recent example is IRMOS, the Infrared Multi-Object Spectrograph, that introduced a number of significant advances in space-based optical instrument design for astronomy including a digital micromirror array and an off-axis biconic ellipsoid. The proposed program addresses the fabrication issues related to these novel optical shapes and promises to reduce the cost of fabrication.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Lightweight, compact and affordable optical systems also have many applications outside space exploration. The most obvious applications would be in defense for infrared and visible light sensing. A pivotal part of a new defense strategy is for more rapid deployment forces and flexible systems. Examples of devices that will benefit from free-form optics are expendable, compact UAV?s, heads-up displays and lightweight night vision gear. In the commercial sector, lightweight wearable displays, improved vision correction and medical vision devices will be key applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
William F. Fischer III, Ph.D.
bfischer@trexhawaii.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The following proposal summarizes the process by which Trex Enterprises will utilize our patented CVC (Chemical Vapor Composite) SiC process towards the fabrication of near net shape lightweight SiC mirrors with high optical performance for both the surface figure and surface roughness of the as-deposited mirror. The as-deposited surface figure and roughness will be optimized through careful selection and preparation processes applied to a variety of mandrel structures and designs. The CVC process replicates the current mandrel surface precisely and this work will look to explore and quantify optically the absolute limits of the surface replication potential of the CVC process. Once this surface has been characterized and optimized, we will then be in a position to either move directly to polishing or eliminate the polishing stage completely from our mirror fabrication process. The savings in both time and cost would greatly improve both the cost of high performance SiC optics as well as reduce the long lead time from many months to as little as several weeks.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The technology developed during this program would be applicable for the rapid production of any large aperture, lightweight, high performance, low cost, SiC optical mirrors for a wide variety of applications. NASA uses would include virtually all land, air or space based systems. It is possible that the technology could be applied to the James Webb telescope, but the timing is likely to lag the desired schedule for that particular system. Other NASA programs in the areas of grazing incidence X-ray, visible, UV-EUV, and solar facing optical systems could also take advantage of the technology developed during this program.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Similar advantages would also apply to a large variety of DoD programs, as well as commercial applications, especially some of the larger telescope systems currently being designed for land-based systems. Some land-based telescope systems would include the GSMT, Euro 50, OWL, and Kelt, programs. DoD systems currently identified that would have a keen interest in this technology would include the Predator, MKV, EKV, and ADLT systems, among others.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Coorg   Prasad
prasad@sesi-md.cpm
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We propose to develop high speed magnetostrictive and MEMS actuators for rapidly deflecting or deforming mirrors. High speed, light-weight, low voltage beam deflectors are required for rapid tuning of lasers, airborne and ground based lidar transmitters and receivers, image correctors, scanners, printers, target acquisition and countermeasures. Technologies currently employed include, electro-mechanical actuators: piezo, galvanometric, voice-coil, etc, electro or acousto-optical devices. They suffer from some or all of following drawbacks: low speed, high voltage requirement, limited life, hysteresis, high cost and bulky connections. Recent advances in magentostrictive materials have shown that large displacements (>100mm) at high frequencies (~ 40kHz) can be achieved. Using this novel technology we will build innovative mirror systems for achieving high speed beam deflections (tens of mrad). Key attributes of these deflectors are: low voltage excitation, non-contact energy transfer, compact and rugged systems for applications in lasers, lidars and airborne systems. In Phase I after exploring optimum configurations and designs of deflectors, we will fabricate laboratory scale actuators and mirrors. The speed and deflection performance of the devices will be measured and establish their feasibility. In Phase II we will build two prototype beam deflectors and incorporate them into tunable laser and lidar receiver systems for testing.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
NASA Applications include: High speed mirrors for tuning lasers that are required for differential absorption lidars for measuring ozone, water vapor, methane, carbon dioxide. High speed mirror deflectors for blocking initial pulse in lidar receiver systems. High speed scanners, Deformable mirrors for atmospheric correction in beams.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
A number of non-NASA applications are also foreseen. These include light mirror reflectors for compact print heads, Laser light shows, Image Scanners, Beam scanners, Laboratory instruments. DoD applications for high speed beam deflectors, target acquisition and countermeasures

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Fow-Sen   Choa
choa@umbc.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
AdTech Photonics, in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) at UMBC, is pleased to submit this proposal entitled ?Very-High Efficiency, High Power Laser Diodes? in response to NASA?s needs in the such areas as diode pumped solid state lasers and Lidar Remote Sensing. Our goal is to develop ultra-high efficiency diode laser bars that can achieve greater than 80% external quantum efficiency, even when operated at very high power, in order to enable various NASA applications.
To demonstrate the feasibility of manufacturing the laser diodes, we propose important milestones that include: a. innovative laser structures to incorporate well-designed band alignment to reduce over-flow leakage current. b. Designing, fabricating, packaging, and testing of thin film double-side heat removal designs that reduce the laser operating temperature and heating induced losses. c. Developing mass production on-wafer processing and packaging techniques that allow thin film lasers to be processed and separated into discrete laser bars.
AdTech Photonics has many years of production experience in the high power laser area covering both military and commercial market needs since 1995. We will work out all tasks and provide NASA with small quantity fabricated samples for space qualification, and other NASA applications.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Although a growing number of important NASA earth-science and planetary missions employ lidar sensors, their limited power, efficiency, weight, lifetime, and relibility have been major concerns. High power semiconductor lasers advantages include small size, low weight, high efficiency, and ease of use, all essential for UAV, balloon and space applications. However, the cost and reliability of these diode laser bars is far from ideal and there remains substantial room for improvement. A revolutionary approach to these lasers, improving their performance and reliability while reducing cost, allows for more capable, less expensive and less complex space remote sensing systems

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
High power semiconductor lasers are powerful tools for pumping solid-state materials, selective soldering and desoldering, welding and heat treating, among other scientific and industrial applications. They are also very useful for various medical (and veterinary) applications including hair removal, non-invasive treatment of vascular lesions (810 nm), surgery, dermatology and dentistry. In the past 15 years, semiconductor high power lasers have become standard pumping sources, replacing other larger light sources. The advantages of semiconductor lasers are their small size, ease of control, along with the possibility of low cost if mass production methods are developed.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Daniel   Rini
dan@rinitech.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
RTI proposes to develop an efficient, reliable, compact and lightweight heat pump for space applications. The proposed effort is expected to lead to (at the end of Phase II) a microclimate system that can remove 300 Watts of heat (in the cooling mode) requiring 92 Watts of electrical power. In the heating mode, the same system would provide up to 392 Watts of heat. The system is expected to weigh around 3.5 pounds (not including the power source) within a volume of about 1000 cc or 1 L. The design is based on a recently developed portable cooler for the Army. The performance of this system cannot be matched simply by using smaller versions of conventional designs, and is accomplished with recent advances in miniaturization and MEMS. Key technological innovations include use of a Wankel compressor with solid lubricants, system configuration for compact design, and design of condenser and evaporator for microgravity application. Phase I effort will concentrate on thermodynamic cycle, compressor, and solid lubrication. Design of the rest of the system, components and system testing and system integration would be undertaken in Phase II.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
This project is anticipated to provide a portable heating/cooling unit with a combination of performance, reliability, size and weight that is currently not available or possible from conventional designs of heat pumps. Such a unit will be useful to NASA for future incorporation into Advanced Life Support system for space missions, as well as for providing cooling to personnel protective ensembles (PPE) that are needed by HazMat (hazardous material) personnel.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The heat pump can also be useful to the Air Force for usage by flight-line maintenance and aircrew personnel, to the Army for dismounted soldiers as part of the Objective Force Warrior systems, and to fire departments across the country for usage by emergency and NBC cleanup personnel. The proposed system while used as a cooling unit has also immense commercial applications in cooling of computer chips/boards/systems and medical applications for patients with illnesses such as multiple sclerosis.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Robert C Morrow
morrowr@orbitec.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The objective of this proposal is to develop a gravity-independent pasteurization and hot air drying process suitable for stabilization of ALS wet cabin waste, drying of crew laundry, and water recovery from water-reprocessing brines. This dryer will use an energy-efficient closed air-loop Heat Pump Desiccant dryer to remove moisture from wet starting material and a Porous Membrane Condensing Heat Exchanger (PMCHX) to trap condensate. Water recovered during drying should be of good quality and available for reuse with standard processing. The process is energy efficient since enthalpy released by the condensing vapor is used to reheat the drying air. Volatile organic compounds are contained throughout the drying process. The system could incorporate a photocatalytic oxidation system to remove VOCs accumulated during drying. The key objective for the PMCHX is to extend its range of application from low-load humidity control in plant growth chambers to high-load condenser duty at up to 80?C air temperature and at temperatures varying over a 40?C range during a single drying run. Since the presence of organics in the condensate, and the predicted condenser temperatures of 5-40?C are conditions favorable to biofilm growth, PMCHX membranes will need to be configured to inhibit the formation of biofilms.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Heat Pump Dessicant drying and high-temperature Porous Membrane Condensing Heat Exchanger condensate recovery have numerous potential applications in space life support. The system can be used to dry Advanced Life Support wet cabin waste to recover water and reduce waste volume, to dry crew laundry, and for recovering water from water reprocessing brines. Other applications include drying of salad machine wastes such as lettuce roots, carrot tops, vegetable trim waste and used nutrient delivery wicks. This gravity independent system could also be used in a planetary colony for drying food products such as grains or beans.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
We intend to demonstrate use of the PMCHX on a much larger scale and in a so-far untested temperature range from 30 to 80?C, suitable for drying. A successful demonstration of the PMCHX condenser under these conditions, especially if the heat transfer characteristics prove superior to conventional condensers, could potentially lead to adoption of PMCHXs for terrestrial HPD drying applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Peter L Kostka
kostkap@orbitec.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The goal of this proposal is to investigate the applicability of recent advances in plasma manufacturing and material treatment to NASA advanced life support systems. In particular we wish to examine surface treatment, material deposition, and the use of low pressure and atmospheric pressure plasma reactors as methods of creating single-piece multi-function fluid handling surfaces. Phase I will determine the feasibility of modifying existing plasma processes to develop a number of different functionalities directly onto an aluminum or ceramic surface. Plasma deposition techniques will be used to create a hydrophilic and bactericidal surface. Etching and deposition will be used to create temperature sensors directly on a surface. Further investigation of deposition techniques will examine the feasibility of depositing thermoelectric (Pelltier) materials onto surfaces. Finally, a resource utilization analysis will be performed to determine the relative merits of creating an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor directly on a thin surface for the purpose of water purification.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Initial MFS applications include engineered plant growth surfaces, with active monitoring of temperature and local moisture level. Aspects of the technology would allow for more efficient heat exchangers and low cost dew point sensing. Capillary surfaces combined with thermoelectric materials would allow local temperature control of plant root zones and the development of more efficient humidity control surfaces. Further applications include a single piece humidity pump capable of being built into enclosure walls or EVA suits. Finally, plasma reactors and silver coated surfaces incorporated into fluid handling surfaces could create a low cost, and highly effective method for water purification.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Plasma-aided manufacturing has the potential to provide highly reliable parts at low cost. As a result, products originally designed for NASA use could be marketed to terrestrial commercial customers. Advanced plant rooting matrices could be used by commercial growers of exotic plants, dew point sensors could be sold to the HVAC and horticulture industries, while humidity and temperature controllers could be first sold to manufacturers of scientific controlled environment chambers and later to makers of electronics packaging. Long-term applications of the technology could extend to waste treatment, chemical analysis and the manufacture of MEMS devices.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Bruce E. Rittmann
b-rittmann@northwestern.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
We will rigorously document the mechanisms by which the OrTec biocatalyst can help solve the most pressing waste-management problems for the next-generation of long-term manned space missions. Based on preliminary results, integrating the OrTec biocatalyst into a biological treatment and recovery system could dramatically reduce the amount of required mass, power, volume, and crew time devoted to managing organic solids. At the same time, it can improve safety, reliability, and resource recovery.
In this research, we will experimentally document the degree to which the OrTec biocatalyst enhances volume reduction, stabilization, water recovery, and odor control in the biological treatment of wet and dry solid wastes. This research will lay the foundation for research and development directed towards using the OrTec biocatalyst in the NASA space-mission environment. This research also will help advance the use of OrTec for achieving our society?s environmental and sustainability goals beyond manned space flight.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Safe and effective organic wet and dry solid waste management, performing the following requested functions:

Volume reduction
Stabilization
Conversion into recoverable water
Odor Control
Cleaning and Maintenance of the systems and equipment

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Eliminating odors from degradation of organic wastes in food plants and animal farms
Suppressing hydrogen sulfide and ammonia emissions from anaerobic digesters, ponds, lagoons and aeration basins
Accelerating treatment of odors and volatiles in compost and bio-scrubbers
Reducing accumulation of organic wastes / sludge in ponds, lagoons and wastewater treatment systems
Reducing the solids volume in landfills and compost operations
Increasing production of methane in anaerobic systems
Maintaining septic tanks as well as drains and grease traps
Controlling biofilm / slime, algae and scale
Cooling towers water maintenance
Suppression of foam in aqueous systems

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Dr. Robert W. Rice
rice@shsu.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovations conform precisely to the technology needs described in Subtopic T5.02, Robotics and Virtual Digital Human Technologies. ?Two potential areas for research are the ever-evolving robotics and 3-D simulation technologies providing operational robustness and intelligence.? Our proposal explicitly addresses two of the ?specific technology requirements?: the application of haptics for improved operator awareness of and reaction to robotic activity; and the introduction of stereographic display systems for optimized operator visual situational awareness. We extend our proposal?s relevance by ?offering innovation in the form of 3-D visualization and simulation capabilities of robotic systems with relation to the 3-D virtual-digital-human-in-the-loop concept.? Our VDH technology can place realistic virtual humans working collaboratively with virtual Robonauts in synthetic environments that emulate Space Station or Space Shuttle. Finally, we propose to address the application targets of ?flight and ground operations development, analyses, training and support? by incorporating gravitational force as a variable in the simulation environment, offering the design of highly realistic tests that ?improve the ability of humans and computers to seamlessly control robotic systems?. The Phase I investigation could result in opportunities for design enhancement of the robotic devices themselves.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
This Phase I project targets the NASA issue that mapping human body movements to robotics is not intuitive. It investigates the fact that rapid prototyping through combination of virtual environment (VE) and CAD-based solutions would accelerate design evolution of the Robonaut to acquire added human dexterity, precision and fluidity of movements. This opportunity will augment Robonaut engineering and operation through VE-based tools, haptic devices and autostereoscopic displays. Incorporating better human/ teleoperational interfaces through enhanced robotic engineering and functionality would significantly benefit the Robonaut Program. Enhanced ISS and STS program development of training simulations and operations planning for missions would result.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Commercial applications would include systems integration of VDH technology with haptic, motion-capture, and autostereoscopic display functionality for both autonomous and remote-controlled robotic technology development and operation. Diverse global industries (petroleum, medical, automotive, garment, manufacturing, etc.) would benefit from higher, more precise tactile sensitivity to enhance coarse and fine-grain task performance, enhanced visual display for higher fidelity robotic command and control, and improved human motion capture data collection and portrayal. Better robotic and robot-human interactions and task simulations would positively impact robotic machine design and engineering, task analysis, improvisation, and evaluation and finally planning and scheduling individual and shared events.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Laurence Hassebrook UofK 859-257-8040
lgh@engr.uky.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In comparison to stereovision, it is well known that structured-light illumination has distinct advantages including the use of only one camera, being significantly less sensitive to background clutter, and not requiring the target object to have nonambiguous features. But because structured-light illumination requires a scanning process, it is inappropriate for humancomputer interfacing where the movements/gestures of a human subject are of interest. We propose the innovative process of composite pattern design as a means of constructing structured-light illumination patterns that measure surface topologies with only a single image and, thereby, are appropriate for recording real-time depth video. By moving the composite pattern into the Near-Infra-Red wavelength light spectrum and coupling with real-time optical processor, we intend to establish feasibility of a real-time, low latency, ambient light resistant, and high accuracy depth video sensor for producing a depth map of a scene applicable to virtual reality interfaces that permit control of robotic systems through human gestures by way of spatial tracking of user appendages in motion absent any wearable transmitters or markers.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The composite pattern method provides a non-touch human computer interface for applications that would otherwise require VR gloves, helmets and other wearable markers. Applications include cockpit interfacing, human computer interfacing with autonomous systems and robots, visualization of large data sets, tele-collaboration, and assistive technology. Other applications are in the area of 3-Dimesional data acquisition of surfaces. These applications include industrial inspection, surveillance, robotic object avoidance, and multi-dimensional time-motion study. In contrast to stereovision, composite pattern has active illumination, so it is independent of ambient illumination and works well with smooth featureless objects or scenes.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The development of continuous, real-time, structured-light imaging for single-sensor, depth measurement is an important contribution to dynamic 3-D imaging and tracking. There is great potential for this technology in many fields from research microscopy on live specimens to non-invasive analysis of large, dynamic systems. The proposed camera could have a major impact on persons with disabilities by permitting nontouch gestures given the inability of some individuals to don and doff wearable sensors. This proposal addresses many issues raised in a wheelchair interface including the operation of structured-light in sunlight.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Raymond   Sedwick
sedwick@mit.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The overarching challenge of tele-presence is to provide an environment to the human operator that is sufficiently familiar that the interface itself does not become burdensome and distract from the goals of the mission. The ultimate achievement would be to embed the operator into a scene in such a way as to convince him or her that they are actually on site. We propose a technology that can potentially achieve this by addressing and expanding on two specific technology needs outlined under the subtopic of human/robot interfaces: 1) Stereographic display systems that provide a large field of view, and high resolution, and 2) Techniques for capturing 360 degree video at a work site and redisplaying as a mosaiced virtual environment to the crewmembers back at the base camp. The extension to these ideas is a technology to offer Omni-Directional (full 4p steradian) stereographic information at an appropriately high resolution. The first innovation is the technique for acquiring the necessary information. The second is processing it to provide a continuous, unobstructed, Omni-Directional, stereographic field of view. A head mounted display with attitude tracking has been selected as the most appropriate display device to truly embed the users into the scene.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed system is ideally suited to control robotic systems, due to the inherent depth perception. An obvious application is the control of robots on the surface of Mars to collect samples or build permanent structures. Educational uses of the system can allow users to experience the spectacular views from space, or realistic tours of the space station. It offers enhanced communication between astronauts and ground personnel and greater monitoring of the shuttle on lift-off, providing valuable safety information. Finally, the system would allow astronauts in space the ability to exercise or relax in realistic simulations of Earth environments.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The non-NASA applications are numerous. In addition to uses similar to those described for NASA, the system can also be used to control firefighting drones to rescue people or douse fires. The system will enhance communication allowing unmatched teleconferencing or virtual tours of homes and vacation getaways. It will also provide improved surveillance allowing the ability to quickly and realistic monitor a building. Other applications include event filming, and surround TV. But perhaps the most exciting applications are reality theme parks, allowing visitors to ride a ?virtually real? Space Mountain or to run with the bulls in Pamplona.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
James   Dabney
Dabney@cl.uh.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Piezoelectric ultrasonic motors (PUMs) are ideal actuators for a variety of spaced-based robotics applications. These motors replace conventional drive systems consisting of motor, gear train, and brake with a rugged and reliable actuator containing one moving part. It is not currently feasible to fully exploit the capabilities of PUMs due to the lack of model-based torque control systems. This research will eliminate the barrier to PUM adoption and lead to model-based torque control algorithms and driver hardware. The key result of the Phase I STTR will be demonstration of the feasibility of model-based torque control of PUMs using a passive inertial load. This result will provide assurance that the overall project result, development of model-based torque control hardware and software, is both feasible and attainable. This result will be achieved via the development of a mathematical model relating motor input parameters and speed to output torque and experimental validation of the model. This Phase I STTR will also produce a design for an enhanced laboratory apparatus incorporating an active load, thus permitting detailed modeling of the space-based robot actuation environment.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
PUMs are ideal actuators for a large variety of spaced-based robotics applications. Due to light weight and simplicity, PUMs are perfect actuators for end effector elements such as fingers, wrists, and tool operation. PUMs are also ideal for miniature robots due to small size, light weight, and a natural potential for redundant actuation. PUMS are also ideal for haptic interfaces due to rapid response, low inertia, and absence of backlash. PUM actuation can significantly reduce the size and power requirements of the Dynamic Optical Filtrating System (DOFS) developed by Tietronix for NASA/JSC. All of these applications require model-based torque control.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
PUMs are ideal actuators for any application requiring light weight, simplicity, and reliability. With model-based torque control, PUMs can offer major improvements to surgical robots due to freedom from backlash. Similarly, PUMs will improve haptic interfaces for surgical robots and robots built for hazardous environments such as subsea, rescue, explosive removal, and toxic environments. PUMs are presently used in machine tools; availability of torque control will increase PUM utility. With model-based torque control, PUMs also offer major improvements to special-purpose mechatronics devices such as semiconductor wafer processing machines and circuit assembly machines

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jacqueline   Hines
jhines@ieee.org
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
This proposal describes the development of passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors and multi-sensor systems for NASA application to remote wireless sensing of temperature and pressure distributions in space vehicles and demanding environments. SAW devices are a mature technology used in numerous commercial wireless communication applications, satellites, and military systems. Research into the use of SAW devices as solid-state physical sensors is a relatively recent development, with potential emerging applications such as automotive tire pressure sensing. Much of the work reported has focused on single sensor devices and systems, with little work done on dense multi-sensor systems. The system proposed herein consists of multiple passive solid-state SAW sensors that can be interrogated remotely using RF signals, and that respond with a signal that encodes both the sensor's identity as well as measurements of temperature and pressure. The proposed research will study several innovative aspects of SAW sensor technology, including: new piezoelectric materials which can operate over large temperature ranges; new SAW device embodiments for measurement of temperature and pressure and their wireless transmission in multi-sensor environments; transceiver design and optimization given the SAW operating parameters; and innovative packaging and antenna considerations for rugged, small devices.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The primary NASA application for the proposed sensor system would be measurement of the temperature and pressure distribution just under the outer surface of NGLT vehicles for enhancement of IVHM systems. Due to wireless operation of the sensors, the system might also be retrofitted to the shuttle or future OSP vehicles, or be used for tire pressure monitoring. Numerous small, lightweight sensors could be mounted under or within the thermal protective layer of the vehicle, and an internal RF interrogation system could quickly scan through the sensors, providing rapid temperature and pressure distribution information at the surface of the vehicle.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential commercial applications for the proposed sensor system include automotive tire pressure sensing, monitoring temperature and other parameters in motors, furnaces, and other high temperature environments, and shipping container and inventory thermal monitoring. The proposed sensor system provides advantages in S/N ratio and device identification not yet realized in commercial devices under development for automotive tire pressure sensing. The ability to uniquely identify large numbers of individual sensors, combined with a hand-held interrogation system, could make this approach useful for homeland security container screening and for inventory purposes where knowing the temperature history of a set of products is significant.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Marlin H Mickle
mickle@engr.pitt.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
New classes of sensors are needed on spacecraft that can be interrogated remotely using RF signals and respond with the sensor's identity as well as the environmental parameter without use of batteries. Such systems are emerging in the field of RF identification (RFID), but often lack the ability to encode a separate parameter and require the RFID tags to be mounted on an insulator-type surface. The proposed innovation does not employ the conventional 'backscatter' approach now being commercialized, which would preclude mounting the RF-powered sensor devices on metal surfaces. Passive and semiactive devices may respond on the same frequency as they are interrogated, or a separate frequency, and support frequency hopping. Advances are also needed to adapt the same to harsh air and space environments and to include encoding of sensor information for hundreds of sensors, with a total reporting time of about 1 second. Means must be incorporated to distinguish the multitude encoded responses from up to hundreds of sensors and the interrogator must not pose a health hazard to personnel.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Hundreds of temperature sensors might be mounted under the spacecraft vehicle skin, or tiles in the case of the Shuttle. Such sensors might be incorporated into the thermal protection system (TPS) of a future vehicle, located under thermal heat barriers such as foam, tiles, etc. Such sensors could also be utilized to sense water intrusion under the TPS, abnormal stresses or out of range temperatures during fueling operations. Better pressure monitoring within the tires of current and future vehicles could be facilitated with a sensor in each.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Communications nodes are going wireless in the commercial arena. The same can be expected of sensors with appropriate technological advances. Military and commercial aircraft would benefit from passive wireless sensors. Wireless home intrusion alarms would benefit from not requiring periodic battery changes. Automobiles and trucks could incorporate passive wireless sensors for tire pressure monitoring to alleviate excessive treadwear and as part of their electronic control systems.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
John J. Moore
jjmoore@mines.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed innovation is to use combustion synthesis techniques to manufacture ceramic-based acoustic liners capable of withstanding temperatures up to 2500?C. Combustion synthesis or self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) is a novel technique used by Guigne Space Systems Inc. to produce many advanced high-temperature materials and composites. The materials have a ceramic matrix (alumina Al2O3, MgO, Al2O3-MgO, TiC-Al2O3, or Al2O3-TiB2) and exhibit high porosity. These materials can also be fabricated with a functional gradient, i.e., with a change in chemistry and/or porosity within the same sample. When compared to traditional manufacturing techniques for high-temperature materials, combustion synthesis has the advantages of energy and time saving methods, high purity final product, simplicity of process and low cost. The target application for the porous ceramics is as high temperature acoustic liners for noise reduction in rocket and jet engines. The proposed work is Phase I of the project.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Porous ceramics will be applied to rocket engine acoustic liners to reduce acoustic emissions and transmitted acoustic loads.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Jet engine acoustic liners and blast furnace acoustic liners.
High temperature insulation, both thermal and acoustic.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Edwin P Stankiewicz
ed.stankiewicz@ultramet.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The massive acoustic loads produced by launch vehicles can detrimentally affect the proper functioning of vehicle components, payloads, and launch support structures. The high-velocity and high temperature rocket engine exhaust stream mixes with ambient atmosphere to generate intense acoustic loads, which account for the majority of structural vibration during launch. Ultramet has developed a unique, high temperature material that has demonstrated passive broadband sound attenuation over a range of frequencies and can withstand temperatures in excess of 1650 C (3000 F). In this project, Ultramet proposes to team with the Graduate Program in Acoustics at Pennsylvania State University (PSU) to develop and test a scale model to validate the impedance of this novel high temperature acoustic liner. An innovative, porous acoustic material will be developed that has demonstrated thermal, corrosion, acoustic, and mechanical load resistance at high temperatures, and porosity, pore size, pore shape, and material of construction will be varied to optimize mechanical and acoustic performance over a wide range of frequencies, amplitudes, and gas flow velocities and temperatures. Ultramet and PSU will also develop a basic numerical model to aid in the design of an economical and efficient liner exhaust duct system.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential NASA applications for the proposed high temperature acoustic liner include passive sound absorption systems for launch facilities, high temperature silencers for afterburner-equipped engines, and lightweight silencer systems for flight applications.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential commercial applications for the proposed high temperature acoustic liner include high temperature silencers for industrial burner systems, lightweight hush kits for commercial aircraft, lightweight mufflers for general aviation aircraft, and catalytic converters for commercial jet aircraft.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Oliver Boone Bucher
mturner@soundsorb.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this Phase I STTR project for NASA, Concrete Solutions Inc (CSI), together with the University of Texas at Austin (UTA), will develop a detailed research plan that will provide for an acoustic liner that is capable of withstanding high exhaust temperatures up to 3,000 F over a range of sound frequencies.

Using CSI?s patented product, SoundSorb, a cementitious material that is used extensively in the transportation industry to attenuate the reflection of highway and railway noise, the CSI/UTA team will develop (1) Formulation and testing of SoundSorb, or variants thereof, that will meet the requirements of sound absorption, heat and vibration for the target application; (2) Develop an application system or process that can be used to manufacture acoustic liners of this material; and (3) Develop a scale model to validate and demonstrate that the material can meet or exceed the requirements of the liners.

SoundSorb? has been tested under several ASTME testing regimes required by various governmental and transportation organizations. It has passed all these tests for acoustic behavior, durability and extreme weather conditions. This project will show feasibility for use in this application.

In Phase II, CSI/UTA will produce prototype liners for testing in actual launch conditions.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The successful completion of Phase II of this project will create a product that can be placed in extreme environmental conditions of sound, heat and vibration, with the purpose of significantly reducing reflected sound. Also, the ability to apply this material in a retro-fit environment, where the structure is already in place, is of critical importance. This means that the material is suitable for both new construction and pre-existing structures.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The successful completion of Phase II of this project will create a product that can be retro-fitted into existing structures where sound absorption and fire retardant capabilities are needed. These include: Airport terminals, utility power plants, correctional facilities, industrial applications, museums and libraries, amusement parks, classrooms, dormitories, mechanical rooms, athletic facilities, restaurants, atriums and lobbies, hospitals, theatres, convention centers, kennels, musical instrument practice rooms, concert halls, loading docks, waste treatment plants, natatoriums and night clubs.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Floyd   Roberts
Floyd@Mabels.biz
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
MPAC and UMR are proposing development of an Acoustic Control System for high temperature gas flow in ducts. This control system is based on a passive inorganic acoustical coating. MPAC has developed and applied for a patent on a architectural acoustical control coating with unusually high wear resistance, a noise reduction coefficient of 0.5, and excellent low frequency damping. UMR has long experience in modeling acoustic treatment in ducts with high speed flow and has world class facilities for experimental characterization of acoustic materials and systems. The proposal team is committed to a phase one proof of concept deliverable consisting of passive coatings for application. This acoustic control coating, if successful, would provide a very low cost high reliability acoustical damping for hot gas structures.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The NASA applications of the technology involve use of the developed acoustical abatement system in launch facilities and in a wide variety of test stands.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The commercial applications for this work are directed at noise reduction and employee safety in foundry facilities, commercial launch facilities, and oil drilling facilities. It should be noted that there is expected commercial in the development of liners which for commercial jet aircraft and hanger facilities.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jay   Carter, Jr.
carter@wf.net
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
slowed rotor / compound (SL/C) aircraft offer VTOL combined with fixed-wing flight-efficiencies. They are safer than any other type aircraft -- with much lower acquisition, maintenance and operational cost than helicopters and tiltrotors. Carter Aviation Technologies began developing SL/C aircraft in 1994 and began flying a prototype, the CarterCopter Technology Demonstrator (CCTD) in 1998. This proposal, using CCTD data, will provide a prototype 2-seat SR/C, VTOL aircraft that meets NASA?s PAVE goals. Reduced community noise is provided by a computerized propeller, designed for quietness, which operates at low tip-speeds and is protected by tail-booms. The non-stalling autorotating rotor provides low tip-speeds, eliminates the helicopter ?dead man zone? and provides the equivalent of an emergency parachute. Low cost per seat mile is provided by simplified construction, reduced parts count and high flight-efficiency. During VTOL and low-speed flight, SR/C aircraft fly like an autogyro having the same hp to weight ratio. Autogyros are the easiest aircraft to learn to fly safely. Pilot workload is simplified by an automated tilting pylon that keeps the wings in best L/D, an automated boosted collective and automated rotor flapping controls. The landing gear absorbs 24 ft/sec impacts. Only the tilting pylon is untested.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Carter SR/C aircraft technology is fully scalable by design. It has application for safe, low-cost VTOL 200 mph PAVs having a 1000 mile range for rural, regional and intra-urban on-demand transportation as envisioned by the NASA SATS program. The same technology can be applied equally to micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and huge intercontinental transport aircraft. The global market for UAVs of all sizes is large and rapidly growing ? yet currently there are very few flight-efficient UAVs having VTOL abilities. An appropriately designed Carter SR/C UAV with VTOL would be ideal for long-range exploration on Mars.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
the SR/C PAV can be made roadable by using 3 wheel motorcycle rules. Its 24-ft rotor is locked fore & aft with red ?oversize load? flags on the ends. The main wheels provide 50 mph highway speeds via a simple variable speed drive and differential. VTOL combined with the autorotating rotor?s ?safety parachute? negates problems of other roadable PAVs and provides a viable option to helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. Fast-build kits for a VTOL 4-
seat, 1000 mile, 200 mph roadable SR/C PAV would cost $55,000 (less engine and avionics) if 500-1000 built per year. Fast-build RV10 kits now costs $45,000.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Susan   Okray
sokray@munroassoc.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
A critical barrier for GA to serve as viable and volume personal transportation is the lack of a cost-effective, yet open-growth, Lean Design and manufacturing technologies using automotive manufacturing technologies in for new personal airplanes. Munro & Associate and Michigan SATS share a vision, ?The CAR of the FUTURE is an Airplane?. This STTR?s goal is to create an innovative, Lean Design PAV design through 21st century automotive industry technologies ? Such designs systems will serve as a vital enabler for turning NASA's PAV Vision into reality.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential NASA Application(s): (Limit 100 words or 1,500 characters, whichever is less)
Today?s General Aviation propellers are expensive, and cost approximately $3,000 per blade for variable pitch. The automotive technologies proposed have the potential to allow PAV propellers to be manufactured for $300 per blade. These manufacturing techniques allow new materials for improved fatigue life and corrosion resistance. In addition these enable low noise propellers using thin blade sections that reduce noise components due to blade thickness. The proposed propeller blade section and geometry design will reduce fly over noise. Thus the Munro & MI SATS STTR project supports both the low noise & low cost goals of PAV

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Potential Non-NASA Commercial Application(s):
Commercial applications include full scale propeller blade manufacturing for new as well as the 100,000 plus existing small airplanes in the country. In the future it will cover propulsor manufacturing for such PAVs as well.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Greg   Stevenson
admin@gsehfe.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Next generation General Aviation (GA) Sport Class air vehicles limited to 1200lbs, represent the first opportunity to overhaul the FAA certification process necessary to manufacture affordable aircraft. With propulsion representing over one-third of the direct manufacturing costs of the entire aircraft, dramatic reductions in aircraft engine costs must be achieved by design, economy of scale, and modern Quality Assurance (QA) manufacturing techniques. Future on-demand intra-urban Personal Air Vehicles (PAV) will require a breakthrough in affordable ($20/hp) propulsion technology capable of STOL or VTOL performance with specific weight ratio above 1hp/lb. Affordable engines of this performance do not exist today. Therefore this propulsion system study proposes to examine 3 innovative concepts of widely different configurations, namely: Advanced Uniflow Supercharged 4-cycle; Advanced Contra-Prop Supercharged 2-cycle; and Free Piston/Turbine designs. The common design philosophy of maximum breathing capacity, unobstructed combustion chamber design, and high mechanical/structural efficiency ensures maximum power density on multi-fuels at the lowest cost. Economy of scale and QA production are approached by innovative/universal design that is aligned with recreational engine power and manufacturing practices.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
- ERAST - VTOL Helicopters
- PAVE - RAC
- GAP - SATS
- UAV - STOL Aircraft
- AGATE

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
- All recreational vehicles - UAV's
- General Aviation/Sport Class - Portable industrial power
- Small utility engines - Portable outboard marine

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Greg   Stevenson
admin@gsehfe.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The proposed PAVE propulsion system technology demonstration combines an innovative high-speed aero-diesel engine with a novel ducted fan assembly resulting in a low noise/cost and high performance propulsion system. The core engine makes extensive use of a novel self-injection, compression ignition/combustion system capable of high-speed operation on kerosene-based fuels without degradation due to variations in fuel viscosity, lubricity and cetane value. Propulsion system safety is greatly enhanced by inherent single lever control, the employment of high flash point fuel, and the absence of fuel injection system degradation when operating on variable viscosity/lubricity Jet-A fuel having unregulated cetane values. Competing aero-diesel developments are dependant on OEM fuel system manufactures that are not willing to sell their system intended for aviation use due to the low lubricity of Jet fuel and the high product liability of General Aviation industry. On the contrary the preferred self-injection system does not require any specialized equipment to produce and is comparable in cost to a carburetor. The multi-fuel combustion system is controlled by the "Fuel deposit on the wall" method of injection. The controlled combustion is characterized by having modest pressure rise and virtually absent combustion noise thus eliminating the classic "diesel knock" and greatly improving the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) of the installation.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
- ERAST - VTOL Helicopters
- PAVE - RAC
- GAP - SATS
- UAV - STOL Aircraft
- AGATE

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Commercial/Military Applications:

- Sport Aircraft - Airboats
- Backpack Parafoil - Outboard Motors
- Ultralights - PWC Jet Pumps
- General Aviation - VTOL Aircraft
- Utility Blowers - Misc.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
David   Zimdars
dzimdars@picometrix.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
In this Phase I STTR project, we propose to develop the critical innovations necessary for a high speed three dimesnional terahertz (THz) tomographic imaging system for aerospace non destructive evaluation (NDE) applcations. NASA and the Aerospace industry are beginning to utilize THz reflection imaging (for example, examining the space shuttle external tank sprayed on foam insulation for voids and disbonds). THz NDE imaging is widely applicable to composite resin, ceramic, plastic, natural, and other non-metallic materials. Current commercial equipment is capable of two dimensional raster scanning. The wider utility of THz NDE technology can be more fully exploited for the development of NASA and aerospace applications if the full potential for high speed three dimensional THz imaging is realized. The current state of the art equipment collects the THz waveform reflection from a very narrow depth range from a strongly reflective backing. The proposed innovations will increase the dynamic range of the THz waveform acquisition to allow collection of reflections from weaker interfaces, and will increase the window of high speed scanning of the THz waveform to allow three dimensional images to be reconstructed for objects many inches thick.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are many NASA-specific materials that could be imaged in three dimensions using the proposed terahertz imaging technique. These include: thermal protection systems (space shuttle silica tiles), sprayed on foam insulation, cork layers used in the boaster rockets and even carbon-carbon material (depending on our enhanced dynamic range). These materials are in systems in which the examination of new construction for flaws (voids, disbonds, inclusions, improper geometry and dimensions, and incomplete curing) may be critical. Likewise, as spacecraft and aircraft age it will be critical to periodically inspect some systems for damage or chemical degradation.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Both civilian and military industry should be able to utilize the terahertz non destructive evaluationfor many of the same applications as NASA. Beyond NASA?s applications, terahertz three dimensional imaging will find applications in the inspection of automobile dashboards, imaging behind walls and flooring surfaces in construction, inspection for delamination of printed circuit boards and tires as well as with manufactured parts such as tiling and paper products. For homeland security, it would possible to check for concealed weapons in clothing or shoes, and image through cardboard packages and containerized crates.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Shiv P Joshi
sjoshi@nextgenaero.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
NextGen Aeronautics is proposing an innovative space qualified non-destructive evaluation and health monitoring technology. The technology is built on concepts developed by PIs from the University of South Carolina (USC) and NextGen. Excitation of preferential Lamb/Rayleigh wave modes, utilization of phased array concepts, and utilization of software algorithms rather than hardware for beam forming and signal analysis, are three innovative concepts in the proposed technology. These concepts set our approach apart from most of the technologies in use or under development at present. The purpose of Phase I effort is to firmly establish the feasibility of the technology developed at USC. This will be mostly accomplished by experimental validation on realistic test articles. Stiffened, bonded and mechanically fastened metallic panels will be fabricated and tested to mitigate most of the risk going into Phase II. We will demonstrate the ability to detect cracks, corrosion and debonds. Technology, under planned development, will be applicable to various metallic, composite, plastic and ceramic materials as structural material or adhesives, sealants and coatings. This technology offers the potential for low cost and light weight damage detection capabilities to permit continuous or on-demand structural damage assessment of the entire structure.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed structural health monitoring technology can reduce the risk of failure, and maintenance costs for aerospace vehicles. It is particularly attractive for space applications because of light weight, space qualifiable attributes and reliability by virtue of simplicity. It can potentially be put on satellites, space stations, space shuttles and planetary exploration vehicles. It is complementary to many efforts underway in structural and vehicle health and usage monitoring at many NASA research and development facilities

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
There are many potential applications to the aerospace, civilian infrastructure, automotive and manufacturing industries. The potential applications of structural health monitoring systems and benefits of this emerging technology are well documented. The key commercialization drivers in non-NASA applications is life cycle cost, avoidance of catastrophic failure and inspection of hard to reach places. Continuous or on-demand inspection of bridges, buildings, off-shore structures and oil drilling machinery will be among the first non-aerospace application NextGen will pursue after maturing the technology.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Alexander   Sutin
asutin@stevens-tech.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Time Reversal Acoustic (TRA) structural health monitoring with an embedded sensor array represents a new approach to in-situ nondestructive evaluation of air-space systems. The suggested approach is based on a sufficient improvement of recently developed Electro-Mechanical Impedance method and will use a similar array of embedded sensors. The application of TRA principles will significantly improve the system?s ability to detect the presence of structural faults and localize damage due to directive focusing of the ultrasonic signals radiated by many sensors. Scanning of the focus will give the necessary information for tomographic mapping of damage and degradation. During Phase I, the principles of TRA system with embedded sensors for damage detection will be developed and feasibility test will be conducted on composite and metal parts with increasing levels of damage. The developed TRA software and hardware will form a basis for the prototype that will be built in Phase II.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The suggested work will lead to a simple, cost-effective commercial sensor technology and instrumentation for the in-situ diagnosis of damage formation and accumulation in airspace systems. This will permit early detection of damage and therefore increase efficiency and reliability of maintenance schedules.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The proposed novel technology will have broad civilian applications for the quality control in manufacturing, assessment of structural integrity of materials prior to assembling, immediately following assembling, and during operational life. One of the most promising applications of new technique is self-diagnosis of damage in fiber-reinforced composites used in aerospace structures.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Joseph    Heyman
heymanj@lunainnovations.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
To date, bond strength is considered one of the ?holy grails? for NDE. Preliminary data indicates that the Luna Nonlinear Ultrasonic Bond Strength (NUBS) monitor will permit a nondestructive evaluation of bond strength for many classes of adhesives and bond configurations. The technology is based on high-resolution ultrasonic measurements that extract nonlinear parameters of the elastic bond properties. Working with Professor David Dillard, a recognized international expert in adhesion science at Virginia Tech., the Luna team will validate the NUBS concept using butt-joints and shear-lap joints with a family of adhesives and surface preparations. The tests will help Luna optimize the device electronic design while determining the range of use for quantitative assessments.

The result of this R&D if carried to the Phase II will be a cost-effective field instrument that has wide applicability for one-sided bond assessment testing. This is especially critical for NASA as aerospace structures rely more and more on adhesives for beneficial design characteristics.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Nearly every aerospace structure includes bonded elements. For many structures, the bonds are crit-1, such as for the SRM insulation, the ET SOFI, and the Shuttle tiles. Many aircraft utilize bonding and then add mechanical fasteners as back-up. It is possible that the Luna NUBS will provide added confidence in predicting bond strength to alter the design paradigm as well as enhance vehicle safety. This is an opportunity to evaluate an innovative approach to an important problem for the Agency.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The potential market for this device is enormous, estimated conservatively at greater than $40M in the first five years. Validation testing through a NASA STTR will provide the archival data necessary for giving the technology the visibility and credibility to make it to the commercial sector. Data from a leading university center of excellence combined with Luna?s track record for commercialization provides a jump-start for a spin-off company focused on this product. Applications abound: aerospace industry, auto industry, sports industry, furniture industry, medical products to name a few areas.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
David    Siviter
siviterd@heatinc.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Harsh Environment Applied Technologies, ThermTech Services and James Madison University have formed a research and development team to investigate the design of a portable thermal line scanning inspection system. The technique involves the movement of a linear heat source across the outer surface of the tubing followed by an infrared imager at a fixed distance behind the heater. Quantitative images of the material loss due to corrosion are reconstructed from measurements of the induced surface temperature variations. The application of the thermal line source coupled with the analysis technique represents a significant improvement in the inspection speed and accuracy for large structures such as boiler water-walls. Wall thinning due to corrosion in utility boiler water-wall tubing is a significant operational concern for boiler operators. Conventional ultrasonic inspection is currently used. This is very manpower intense and slow. Thickness measurements are typically taken over a relatively small percentage of the total boiler wall and statistical analysis is used to determine the overall condition of the boiler tubing. Other inspection techniques, such as electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT), have recently been evaluated; however they provide only a qualitative evaluation, identifying areas where corrosion has significantly reduced the wall thickness. ThermTech Services in cooperation with NASA Langley Research Center has developed a thermal NDE technique designed to quantitatively measure the wall thickness and thus determine the amount of material thinning present in steel boiler tubing. This STTR proposal is focused on further development of this innovative but proven technique to expand into the inspection of aerospace superstructures and eventually in orbit applications.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Thermal line scanning remote controlled and handheld versions can be effectively employed in performing non-destructive evaluations (NDE's) of aerospace systems both on the ground and in orbit. Applications include inspection of flat or cylindrical airframe sections of vehicles and orbiting structures to locate and characterize the effects of corrosion, disbond of adhesives, and mechanical damage in the various materials used in the construction of the component/system. Various materials could include metallic components as well as fiberglass or composites.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The availability of a small, maneuverable non-destructive evaluations (NDE) scanner using the ThermTech thermal line scanning NDE system may be applicable for inspecting small or complex tanks and containers holding hazardous or contents that are otherwise critical or difficult to handle. In addition, we have determined that oftentimes when inspecting large areas the need for a small compact unit comes into play where there are obstructions to our larger scanning units.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Kelly   Stinson-Bagby
bagbyk@lunainnovations.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Advanced space fission systems are being developed as safe and affordable space propulsion alternatives for long-term space exploration. The characterization of non-nuclear test core simulators is limited by the lack of instrumentation options available for temperature and strain measurements. Luna Innovations proposes to develop sensors based on a fiber Bragg grating system for temperature and strain measurements. These fiber optic sensors can provide 20 to 100 times more sensing points as thermocouples on interior and exterior surfaces of the core simulator, which are expected to reach temperatures of 1000?C. In addition, Luna Innovations will work with a university partner to develop a modeling strategy to characterize the core by comparing critical data collected during operation (power distribution, temperature, strain, etc.). Hence, an array of sensors will map the physical responses of the core and produce a working feedback model for use in optimization studies of the system.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
This technology will be specifically developed for use in the SAFE-100 non-nuclear core test bed; however, the potential applications extend to numerous applications. For example, health monitoring of shuttle tiles, solid rocket fuel monitoring, rocket test characterization, or life support system characterization and optimization. The use of this distributed sensing system extends to any applications requiring minimally intrusive, temperature and strain measurements in harsh-environment operations.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Distributed harsh-environment temperature and strain measurements will be applicable in a wide variety of industries, including aircraft structural and engine health monitoring, fuel cell operations, power and space turbine applications, automotive and military applications. Luna has been working in each of these industries to improve operation safety and efficiencies. This project will allow for further development of this existing technology to extend into the unique area of harsh-environment sensing.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Terry   Kammash
tkammash@umich.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The gasdynamic mirror (GDM) plasma thruster has the ability to confine high-density plasma for the length of time required to heat it to the temperatures corresponding to specific impulse requirements. The often-cited plasma confinement time is directly proportional to the mirror ratio and the length, and is inversely proportional to the square root of ion energy. This confinement law, however, ignores the role of the ambipolar (electrostatic) potential which arises as a result of the rapid escape of electrons through the mirrors due to their small mass. This positive potential tends to accelerate the ions while slowing down the electrons until both species drift out at the same rate. It is expected, therefore, that a larger specific impulse and larger thrust will arise in the presence of ambipolar potential but at the expense of a longer device to maintain a desired confinement time. This proposal is aimed at a theoretical and computational investigation of the impact of the ambipolar potential on the propulsive capability of the GDM thruster. It includes the generation of parameters that will allow experimental verification of this phenomenon using the existing GDM device at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
One NASA objective for future space transportation systems is that they be faster, safer and more reliable. The gasdynamic mirror (GDM) plasma thruster lends itself to these objectives. It can be operated as an electric propulsion system that can open up space to human exploration. There is the potential for use in a future fusion propulsion systems. Recent developments point to future reductions in system mass with corresponding increases in cost effectiveness.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Gasdynamic mirror (GDM) plasma thrusters have direct commercial application to missions envisioned for the Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) initiative. If the GDM plasma thruster proves feasible there will be a commercial market for the thrusters and their associated power conditioning equipment. Users would include the military, for missions requiring high-power thrusters, and aerospace manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing. Fusion-based advanced propulsion systems using GDM plasma thruster technology are a future possibility for both military and commercial applications.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Matthew Earle Palmer
palmerm@lunainnovations.com
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Luna Innovations is teaming with the University of Alabama, Huntsville, to develop a miniature flush-mounted fiber-optic pressure sensor that will allow accurate, high-frequency high-pressure measurement of LOx and LH2. The Innovation of this system is that the sensor is not intrusive, will not interfere with the flow field, and is a novel adaptation of proven technology. To insure compatibility with the LOx environment, the sensor will be constructed from metal-oxides, ceramics and other materials that are intrinsically safe. The sensor will help engineers optimize performance of liquid fueled rocket engines for the next generation of reusable lift vehicles, and flight versions of the sensors will enable real-time monitoring and control of the engines, improving safety and enabling commercialization of space. During the Phase I, a prototype sensor will be designed and tested to verify feasibility. Materials and bonds will be tested to insure compatibility with LOx. During the Phase II, optimized sensors will be constructed and extensive tests conducted to advance the technology to pre-production status. This system meets NASA?s goals by providing LOx and LH2 pressure data while: 1) minimizing intrusion, 2) improving reliability, 3) having fast response time, and 4) being intrinsically safe.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
The following NASA applications have been identified as possible beneficiaries of the proposed technology:
? NASA research on the next generation re-usable launch vehicle technologies (NGLT).
? NASA research on low cost and safer engine technologies for the commercialization of Space
? DOD and NASA research in SCRAM jet propulsion technology
? DOD and NASA research in advanced air-breathing and hybrid propulsion systems for the Orbital Space Plane (OSP) and X-43

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Luna has worked extensively with major aerospace manufacturers, and has identified several applications that could benefit from the proposed technology:
? Development of lower cost and safer engine technologies for the commercialization of space
? Commercial rocket engine testing and operation
? Control of LOX systems for industrial smelting operations

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name,Email)
Jagdish P. Singh
singh@dial.msstate.edu
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident: Yes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
SSC needs the sensors that are capable and can be operated in liquid oxygen (LOX) and or liquid hydrogen (LH2) cryogenic environment to improve SSC cryogenic testing. In particular, the Stennis Space Center (SSC) would like to develop a sensor to monitor the quality of LOX in the delivery line during the testing of a rocket engine. Spontaneous Raman scattering (SRS) with its relative simplicity and multi-molecule analysis can be easily employed to develop a sensor for on-line, real-time measurement. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a SRS sensor, which is able to provide sub-millisecond sampling time for detecting nitrogen percent concentration in cryogenic propellants. During Phase I, a SRS system based on photo multiplier tube detection will be designed. The experimental parameters will be evaluated to achieve optimum response time and sensitivity. A prototype will be delivered to NASA/SSC at the end of Phase I. The study from Phase I will provide the necessary information to improve the phase II prototype design to achieve sub millisecond response time and better sensitivity. In Phase II, a prototype SRS system will be developed and tested at SSC and will be delivered to NASA/SSC for on line measurement

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
A Raman based sensor can provide on-line and real-time measurement of nitrogen concentration with millisecond response time which is needed by NASA/SSC cryogenic testing. This sensor can be used for real-time monitoring of nitrogen concentration in LOX or LH2 feed line during the SSC engine test. This sensor can be used to shutdown the LOX feed control valve when the LN2 concentration exceed a pre-determined concentration

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
A sensor based on Raman spectroscopy developed for this proposal can also be used to monitor the chemical composition in large chemical reactor to provide the data to optimize the efficiency of the processing plant and to control the chemical processing in the plant. When the concentration of certain element reaches above the threshold the sensor will send the warning signal for safety operation of the plant. The laser Raman sensor can be used for quality control in pharmaceutical, chemical and food processing industries. The technology can also be modified for application such as hydrate exploration in deep sea drilling.