PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.01-0927 (Chron: 992386 )

PROJECT TITLE

Incorporation Of Flight Crew Actions In Safety Analysis Of Engineered Systems

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This innovation will consist of a method that quantifies how primary flight crew performance contributes to safety.

The method will treat the human as a system element with a probability of failure just as engineered elements of the aircraft are treated by determining their probability of failure. The study tackles directly the subtopic requirement to 'address the interaction of humans with engineered systems'. Work to date has summarized the probability of failure of the pilot/flight control interface by mapping an aircraft handling qualities metric into a metric for probability of control loss. The Phase I study will expand the framework of this approach to another area of the interface between the human and the airplane that is a significant cause of accidents. The Phase II study will extend the concept to several such areas. Since the primary flight crew is involved in the majority of fatal accidents, the study will benefit NASA by contributing to NASA's goal to improve air safety.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The Phase I effort will lay the groundwork for a product that aids in designing, evaluating and regulating safe aircraft. The product would include software that facilitates inclusion of the human interaction with the aircraft, educational material for a commercially-offered tutorial, and specific consultation by AeroArts personnel during safety activities.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

John Hodgkinson

AeroArts LLC

PO Box 2909

Palos Verdes Peninsu , CA 90274 - 2909

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

AeroArts LLC

PO Box 2909

Palos Verdes Peninsula , CA 90274 - 2909

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.01-8021 (Chron: 991608 )

PROJECT TITLE

Fatigue Countermeasures: A Meta-Analytic Integration

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Extended operations and sleep loss can lead to fatigue, decrements in decision making, and other challenges to performance, productivity, and safety. As a result, a considerable body of research has examined the effectiveness of various fatigue countermeasures. This proposal describes an effort to conduct a meta-analytic integration of the evidence on the effectiveness of fatigue countermeasures. This integration will provide a precise and conclusive summary of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of various fatigue countermeasures. In addition, it will also allow the examination of important theoretical and operational issues regarding the effectiveness of various approaches.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The integration of existing research and the identification of new and effective fatigue countermeasures should have a considerable impact on Federal as well as commercial users in aviation, transportation, medicine, equipment operation, manufacturing and other operational environments that involve 24-hour demands. This project will result in specific, empirically-based guidelines for implementing fatigue countermeasures in civilian and military operational environments.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

James E. Driskell

Florida Maxima Corporation

507 N. New York Ave., R-1

Winter Park , FL 32789 - 3186

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Florida Maxima Corporation

507 N. New York Ave., R-1

Winter Park , FL 32789 - 3186

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.02-5282 (Chron: 991917 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Planning and Operations Toolset for Air Traffic Management of RLV's

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Reusable launch vehicles present a series of unique problems in the management of the national air space. While the nominal ascent phase of reusable launch vehicles (RLV's) closely resembles the launch phase of an expendable launch vehicle (ELV), this can change quickly. RLV's have the capability to terminate flight during the ascent phase and attempt to land at the launch site or other commercial spaceports or airports. Commercial spaceports are being designed and built in non-traditional locations. Many of these spaceports are land-locked forcing vehicles launched from these spaceports to fly over populated areas and through commercial airways to reach orbit.

Tools are required to manage these new dynamic spaceways. Spaceways that are shared by both standard air transportation, RLV's, and expendable ELV's. These tools will encompass the mission planning phase and the real time operations phase. This proposal will concentrate on the design of an integrated toolset that provides RLV mission planning functions that directly support real time mission operations. These functions will include; 6 degree of freedom trajectory planning for RLV operations including 4-dimensional visualization, shared situational awareness of real time operations, intelligent air traffic and RLV interference prediction, and integrated weather data and real time weather visualization.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The planning and visualization toolset has applications in commercial aerospace, air traffic management, military C2, weather forecasting, and interactive gaming technology. The basic technologies that will be developed by this proposal will support all of the aforementioned business areas. The key technology is the translation of real time data acquired from multiple sources into a single, collaborative, environment distributed over standard net-work architectures.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Janice M. Horn

Command and Control Technologies Corporation

1311 North Highway US-1, Suite 129-X

Titusville , FL 32796 - 2144

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Command and Control Technologies Corp.

1311 N Hwy US-1, Suite 129-X

Titusville , FL 32796 - 2144

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.02-8585 (Chron: 992382 )

PROJECT TITLE

Software Environment for Investigating Decentralized ATM Concepts

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Air-traffic management concepts being investigated by NASA range from ground-based techniques to fully airborne solutions. One of the difficulties in assessing the relative merits of these strategies is that they are developed on diverse air-traffic management simulation environments using different sets of assumptions.

This makes it difficult to make quantitative comparisons in a given air traffic management scenario.

This proposal advances the development of a software environment that can be used to assess the air traffic management strategies from a control theoretic point-of-view. This point-of-view enables the use of concepts such as stability margins and robustness in the air traffic control environment. The proposed software environment will incorporate NASA-developed air traffic simulation software as a central element. It will allow the analyst to augment the simulation to include other elements of the air traffic management system such as the communication, navigation and surveillance systems, decision support systems and decision execution methodologies. It will also provide an analysis environment for determining the effectiveness of air traffic management strategies.

Phase I research will develop a prototype of the proposed software environment and will demonstrate its operation in several air traffic management simulations. Phase II research will develop the complete version of the software environment.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Software developed under the proposed research will aid the researchers synthesize and refine new air traffic management strategies. This will result in more effective implementation of future air traffic management concepts.

The software environment will also be useful for modeling and analysis of other multiple flight vehicle systems such as formation flight.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. P. K. Menon

Optimal Synthesis Inc.

470 San Antonio Road, Suite 200

Palo Alto , CA 94306 - 4646

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Optimal Synthesis Inc.

470 San Antonio Road, Suite 200

Palo Alto , CA 94306 - 4646

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.02-8700C (Chron: 992126 )

PROJECT TITLE

Departure Noise Avoidance Planner

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Aircraft noise mitigation is a major issue in the design and establishment of departure procedures in busy terminal areas. Even with the establishment of Noise Abatement procedures, there is a significant need for improvement in the mitigation of noise created by aircraft operations. Some Noise Abatement procedures are difficult to implement for the controller, pilot, or both. In such cases, automated assistance for the controller may improve the effectiveness of the Noise Abatement procedure, by allowing aircraft to be vectored to follow the procedure more accurately.

Metron has advanced the state of the art in aircraft noise modeling to the point that it is now possible to conduct noise modeling in real-time with sufficient accuracy to support controller decisions. This proposed effort will investigate the feasibility of a system which will predict noise footprints for individual flights based on current atmospheric conditions. These flight-by-flight analyses will then be used to generate alternative routes if the noise footprint is found to impact areas of significant population density. The generation of departure routes to decrease the impact of noise will then result in departure vector advisories to be displayed to the controller.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

As this effort is focused on the development of innovative techniques for Air Traffic Management, the primary sources for non-SBIR funding are the organizations and agencies that maintain and improve the ATM systems of the United States, and of the world. Metron has previous involvement in many areas of development of the National Airspace System (NAS) of the United States.

The commercial product that is contemplated to result from this SBIR effort is a proof-of-concept Noise Management system that can be customized and implemented under contract to international or domestic ATC service providers. Dependent on the operational characteristics and requirements of the customer, the prototype system will be modified, enhanced, documented and tested to the customer's requirements.

Metron is also on the leading edge of private-sector funding of such ATM system projects. Through close coordination with the FAA, Metron has identified a number of methods by which private industry and airspace users can fund some of the required development and maintenance effort that is required for systems such as Collaborative Decision Making (CDM). The commercialization of this technology will be pursued both domestically and internationally.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Terence Thompson

Metron, Inc

11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 800

Reston , VA 20190 - 5602

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Metron, Inc.

11911 Freedom Drive, Suite 800

Reston , VA 20190 - 5602

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.03-5576 (Chron: 992479 )

PROJECT TITLE

An integrated, multi-sensor system for cloud particle classification

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Droplet Measurement Technologies proposed to develop a compact, integrated, multi-sensor system for the airborne characterization of cloud icing conditions. This system will measure cloud particle size, number concentration, mass and phase, as well as temperature pressure and airspeed. This combination of measurements allows the system to operate in a stand-alone mode for situations where the instruments could be used on commercial aircraft for gathering data on icing conditons or for icing certification activities. The range of particle

sizes and supercooled water content are broader than currently required by FAA icing certification regulations (FAR-25) and provide excellent resolution at the larger drop sizes that are presently being studied as particularly hazardous for flight operations. The built-in redundancy also improves data quality and operational reliability.

The culmination of Phase I activities will be a prototype instrument consisting of an integration of five sensors into a single, streamlined package that minimizes drag and mounts easily to an aircraft fuselage or wing. This proof-of-concept development will use laboratory testing to show that particles in the proposed size range can be accurately measured and that the integrated system fits in a package that is aerodynamically stable without disturbing the particle measurements.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed system will make measurements that have formerly required three separate systems. The cloud research, aircraft icing and icing wind tunnel communities will benefit from this development because of its decreased volume and weight. This same instrument will be attractive to the agricultural community since it can also be used in a number of applications where measurements of spray characteristics would improve irrigation, crop dusting and other liquid dispersal systems.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Gregory Kok

Droplet Measurement Technologies

Box 20293

Boulder , CO 80308 - 3293

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Droplet Measurement Technologies

P.O. Box 20293

Boulder , CO 80308 - 3293

PROJECT TITLE: Airborne Remote Sensing of the Super-Cooled Water and Temperature Environment

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose to test a new method for remote passive detection of hydrometeors (cloud liquid water droplets, drizzle, rain, hail, and snow) from an aircraft. The method uses an advanced radiometer to measure differences between horizontal and vertical polarization of microwave radiation. The polarization is influenced by hydrometeor shape and the anisotropy of the illuminating flux. This allows discrimination between liquid water and ice crystals. Radiometrics Corporation conceived the new method and is applying for patent. Based on preliminary Simple modeling, the capability of the new method appears fairly certain. We propose to confirm our preliminary results with more rigorous modeling. We also have conceived of three concepts to obtain range information on icing conditions. The capabilities of the concepts are uncertain and we propose modeling and testing. In addition, we propose to explore the performance of a method for passive airborne measurement of atmospheric temperature structure. This method is based on a highly accurate ground-based radiometric temperature profiling method that has recently emerged from Russia. Knowledge of temperature structure is important for prediction of icing conditions and turbulence.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Aircraft icing and clear air turbulence present significant hazards to civilian and military aviation. Every year, losses are suffered from aircraft icing by general aviation, low to mid altitude military fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft, and regional carrier aircraft. In addition, in-flight clear air turbulence is a problem to all categories of aircraft. Our proposed studies will contribute to the development of a compact, low cost icing and turbulence detection system. The system would allow private, commercial, and military passenger and cargo transport services to reduce the number of accidents related to these hazards. Also, the proposed system is passive, making it even more attractive for military use. We plan to employ microwave integrated circuits in our in-flight icing and turbulence detection system. This will reduce the size and cost of the system, increasing its commercial viability.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Fredrick S. Solheim 
Radiometrics Corporation 
2840 Wilderness Place, Unit G 
Boulder , CO   80303 - 5414

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Radiometrics Corporation 
2840 Wilderness Place, Unit G 
Boulder , CO   80303 - 5414

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.04-0477 (Chron: 992060 )

PROJECT TITLE

Automated Reuse Support for Design of Embedded Avionics Systems (AutoSoft)

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

EDAptive Computing, Inc. (EDAptive) and Dr. Perry Alexander of the University of Kansas propose an innovative solution to the problem of the lack of automated reuse support for design of complex, embedded systems. Our proposed solution, which automates reuse of existing components, will enable design of high-integrity avionics software and systems, thereby ensuring safe and reliable operation of the designed systems. Our Phase I objectives are to (1) Define requirements - to ensure that we understand NASA"s requirements, (2) Identify and evaluate candidate methods, tools and , (3) Develop methods, tools, technologies, (4) Demonstrate technical feasibility through preliminary design and prototyping, and (5) Establish commercial feasibility and potential. Our Phase I Tasks include (1) Evaluating existing assets, (2) Determining additional capabilities needed, (3) Evaluating feasibility and demonstrating critical aspects, (4) preparing a preliminary design, and (5) assessing commercial potential. Our Phase I results will include: A Demonstration of critical design aspects by the end of the sixth month, and a Final Report at the end of the sixth month, which will document all the investigations, decisions, findings, commercialization strategy and demonstrations during the Phase I program. This technology will markedly improve space system development effectiveness through automated component reuse.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

With ever increasing complexity of embedded systems and growing demand for their safe and reliable operation, designers of such systems are constantly looking for tools, languages and methods that would enable them to rapidly meet user demands for high integrity systems and algorithms. Success of ISI MARIXx is a good evidence of the need. The need is universal among embedded system designers and is not just limited to avionics systems.

With ever increasing interest in embedded intelligent appliances, that market is only bound to grow with increasing time-to-market pressures on embedded system designers. A tool suite that enables automated reuse of existing components and a design correct-by-construction is likely to be of high interest since it will reduce time-to-market and enable high-integrity systems. In addition, complexity of newly designed embedded systems is such that a design from scratch is very hard, if not impossible. Therefore, AutoSoft market is bound to grow.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Praveen Chawla

EDAptive Computing, Inc.

1107-C Lyons Road

Dayton , OH 45458 - 1856

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

EDAptive Computing, Inc.

2161 Blanton Drive

Dayton , OH 45342 - 5288

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.05-1008 (Chron: 992339 )

PROJECT TITLE

Distributed Fiber Optic Structural Health Monitoring System-Aerospace Vehicles

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The proposed project will develop a distributed fiber-optic structural health monitoring system for aerospace vehicles. This system will measure and record the stress cycle histories at hundreds of critical locations on a vehicle in real-time. The information can be used on-line in a program to schedule maintenance and direct inspections for more efficient and safer operations. This benefit directly addresses the expressed goal of improved transportation safety in the 21st century. The proposed innovation lies in the use of low-cost fiber optic strain sensors combined with a predetermined global strain-to-local stress transformation that converts spatially averaged strains to local stresses at a sampling rate commensurate with the dominant modes of the primary structure. This proposal directly addresses the targeted solutions of (1) "Structural fatigue, life cycle, static or dynamic load monitors," and (2) "Model-reference or model updating schemes based on measured data that operate autonomously."

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

This system has both immediate and long-term uses. Its primary purpose is to provide an onboard intelligent real-time structural monitoring system to monitor stress levels at critical locations. In the long term, the system will provide information for future design in the form of a design database. Stress cycle histories can be used to schedule and pinpoint inspections and to perform crack growth analysis. In addition to NASA applications, strong commercial potential exists in applications to both military and commercial aircraft.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Timothy Hasselman

ACTA Inc.

2790 Skypark Dr., Ste. 310

Torrance , CA 90505 - 5345

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

ACTA Inc.

2790 Skypark Drive, Suite 310

Torrance , CA 90505 - 5345

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.05-2281 (Chron: 992416 )

PROJECT TITLE

On-Line Prediction of Loss of Control Using Wavelets

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Loss of control in aircraft can result from changes in the controlled element, the control system, the environment, or adverse pilot-vehicle interaction. Each of these paths can be characterized by a loss of phase margin. It is not possible to predict or compensate for all possible sources of additional phase lag in the design process, and so there is a need for on-line health monitoring of the flight control system. The challenge then is to detect the erosion of phase margin in a timely manner and either warn the pilot or automatically take corrective action. In the Phase I effort we intend to use an innovative Time Varying Transfer Function technique to track the phase margin of a time-varying system. These special transfer functions are based on Wavelet Transforms. In contrast to windowed Fourier transforms, these transforms have the ability to analyze a signal at multiple scales, thus allowing for quick response to high frequency changes in the system, without sacrificing low frequency resolution. In Phase I we will develop the methodology and an associated on-line health monitoring toolbox to implement our approach.

Example scenarios and available flight test data will be used to demonstrate feasibility.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

This effort will lead to a validated methodology with associated analysis tools and software to predict and analyze loss of control in aircraft in real-time. The immediate commercial application of this technology will be in the development, testing, and safe operation of all aircraft.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Vineet Sahasrabudhe, Ph.D.

Systems Technology, Inc.

13766 S. Hawthorne Blvd.

Hawthorne , CA 90250 - 7083

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Systems Technology, Inc.

13766 S. Hawthorne Blvd.

Hawthorne , CA 90250 - 7083

PROJECT TITLE: Smart NDT System for Unified Diagnosis of Composite Structures

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This SBIR research (Phase I & II) is to develop a smart nondestructive testing (NDT) system for improved on-line inspection of composite structures in aircrafts, spacecrafts, and launch vehicles. The system uses a unique flexible surface-mounted transducer array to replace the conventional bulky and time- consuming scanning mechanism for C-scan plot generation. It also draws on advantages from ultrasonic testing, mechanical impedance method, and frequency response (modal analysis) technologies. In Phase I, the new transducer element will be fabricated and tried out on composite specimens with different defects implanted. The transducer parameters will be optimized through experiments. Pattern recognition methodologies will be identified for defect characterization. The expert system for defect detection will be developed for the composite test specimens. Finally, the prototype setup for the NDT system will be tested to demonstrate its sensitivity for flaw detection. A successful research effort will provide NASA with a flexible, smart NDT system that works faster and more accurately than conventional methods. A further development of this AI-based NDT system may lead to its application in automation and robotics, where similar NDT tasks can be carried out in adverse or hostile environments.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

A flexible, smart NDT system with high reliability and low operating cost developed in this effort (Phase I & II) may be used for improved on-line NDT inspection on composite materials of NASA's interest, particularly on the composite parts with irregular surfaces. The equipment will have tremendous potential for commercialization in the rapidly growing market of composite materials worldwide. Further extension of this concept may result in its application on metal and geologic materials.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Xiaoqing Sun
AAC International
60 Mechanic Street
Lebanon , NH   03766 - 1521

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

AAC International
60 Mechanic Street
Lebanon , NH   03766 - 1521

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.05-7909 (Chron: 992227 )

PROJECT TITLE

On-line Engine Health Monitoring using a Model-Updating Scheme

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The firm proposes to conduct a research on a software toolkit (or middleware) to perform on-line engine health monitoring. The toolkit will allow on-line information extraction from measured data and will facilitate decision making. The ultimate goal of the toolkit will be to reduce the life cycle cost of an engine/flight vehicle fleet while maintaining flight safety and availability. Initially developed for turbine engine health monitoring, the toolkit is expected to migrate to other flight systems with a low-to-medium level of modification.

The underlying methodology of the on-line engine monitoring toolkit will include an adaptive model-updating scheme based on measured data that operates autonomously. The methodology will also proactively determine/recommend engine maintenance schedule, effectively functions like a life-cycle monitor.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Potential products from the proposed project is a software toolkit that can be implemented on an engine diagnostic unit to increase engine maintainability and reduce life cycle cost. The software toolkit can track the health and remaining safe life of engine components, it can also recommend maintenance decisions.

The anticipated benefits of the on-line engine monitoring toolkit are:

§ Durability/readiness enhancement.

§ Life cycle cost (LCC) reduction.

§ Enabling technology for on-line, real-time health monitoring.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Link Jaw

Scientific Monitoring, Inc.

4801 S. Lakeshore Dr., #103

Tempe , AZ 85282 - 7156

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Scientific Monitoring, Inc.

4801 S. Lakeshore Dr, #103

Tempe , AZ 85282 - 7156

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.06-9004 (Chron: 992324 )

PROJECT TITLE

Crashworthy Seat Cushion Replacement

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Dynamically certified seats (16g seats) are being fielded in all jet transports certified since 1988. In addition, the airlines are steadily replacing their older seats with 16g compatible seats in the older aircraft certified prior to that date. The implementation of the dynamic seat requirements has encountered one unanticipated problem.

Under normal use, seat cushions must be replaced with identical cushions every 3-5 years, and sometimes sooner. To maintain an aircraft's type certificate, the replacement seat cushions must be identical those installed for the original certification tests. Airlines are frequently unable to obtain identical replacement cushions. The airlines' only option, in this case, is to recertify the entire seat with a replacement cushion by conducting a full-scale 16g dynamic seat test. This is expensive since it not only requires the use of expensive laboratory equipment, but also because it destroys a seat frame. The best solution for this problem is the development of an inexpensive component test that can be used to certify replacement cushions. Such a test will provide a needed tool for the development of aircraft seats using a systems approach to crashworthiness and thus contribute to both safety and lower costs for the entire industry.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The short-term commercial application of this technology are in the form of an engineering process that will enable JBDA to recertify airline seat cushions, for dynamically tested seats, at a far lower cost than is possible under current certification procedures. In the longer term, the test technique developed in this project will significantly contribute to a systems approach to the design and certification of accident mitigation technologies.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Donald E. Shepherd Jr.

J.B. Dwerlkotte Associates, Inc.

429 N. St. Francis

Wichita , KS 67202 - 2623

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

J.B. Dwerlkotte Associates, Inc.

429 N. St. Francis

Wichita , KS 67202 - 2623

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.06-9515 (Chron: 992122 )

PROJECT TITLE

Capacitance-Based Turbine Blade Vibration Monitor

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Prevention of catastrophic failure of engine components is a major goal to the subtopic. Catastrophic failures of turbine engines are often caused by vibration-induced compressor and fan blade fatigue fractures. Existing capacitance systems have been unable to accurately measure blade vibration due to limited spatial resolution and limited system bandwidth. The proposed effort will develop a new capacitive system with significantly higher spatial resolution and wider bandwidth to provide high-accuracy time-of-arrival measurements for computing blade vibration. Successful demonstration of feasibility of the capacitive probe and electronics will lead to development of monitoring systems suitable for use on new engines as well as for retrofit on existing engines. The ability to detect excessibe blade vibration in flight will allow the pilot to change the engine operating parameters and thus prevent the occurrence of safety-significant blade fractures.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Blade vibration monitoring of aircraft engines will involve the following applications:

1. Spin pit tests during engine development

2. Test engines during engine development

3. Production test equipment for engine manufacturing

4. Engine monitoring on flight engines

5. Engine monitoring and active clearance control on flight engines

The last step combines the blade vibration monitoring with blade tip clearance measurement for use in a control system to dynamically adjust the tip clearance to achieve optimum engine performance.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Wayne C. Haase

Aerogage Corporation

22 Duggan Road, PO Box 733

Acton , MA 01720 - 0011

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Aerogage Corporation

22 Duggan Road, PO Box 733

Acton , MA 01720 - 0011

PROJECT TITLE: Portable High-Resolution 2D Ultrasonic Imager for Fatigue Damage Inspection

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In Phase I of the SBIR program LEEOAT Company will develop and optimize the design and fabrication strategy for the high-performance, high-resolution and cost-effective 2D Ultrasonic Transducer imager for nondestructive evaluation applications. The transducer architecture is based on LEEOAT Company's novel micromachining technology. We will reduce to practice the device by demonstrating the micromachining of the transducer. We will theoretically model the transducer and the associated ASIC electronics and will estimate the cost/effort for the fabrication and testing of the NDE prototype in Phase II of the program.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The development of a high-performance, high-resolution cost-effective 2D ultrasonic transducer will open a largewindow of opportunity in a variety of space, military and commercial applications, like NDE and medical imaging.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Eli Wiener-Avnear

LEEOAT Company

2631 Colibri Lane

Carlsbad , CA   92009 - 4304

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

LEEOAT Company

2631 Colibri Lane

Carlsbad , CA   92009 - 4304

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.07-3372 (Chron: 991803 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Magnetoresistive Sensor-Based Eddy Current Probe

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The development of an innovative reflection type eddy current probe in which a giant magnetoresistive (GMR)sensor is used as the replacement for the pickup coil is proposed. The GMR sensor would be made of giant magnetoresistive elements connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. During a measurement, this new eddy current probe will provide three independent pieces of information. Namely, the phase and magnitude signal of a standard reflective probe plus a dc signal resulting from the instantaneous magnitude of the magnetic flux generated at the sensor by the eddy currents induced in the conductive target by the driver coil. The use of the GMR sensor would make it possible to design a tangential probe whose induced eddy currents would penetrate deeper into conductive specimens during defect measurements. The successful completion of Phase I effort will provide the basis for the development a field demonstrable probe that could be operated over a wide frequency range and aportable handheld eddy current device in Phase II. The use MR sensors as the pickup sensor could result a chippackage containing a driver coil that could lead to the development of smaller, faster, inexpensive eddy currentsensors.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The successful completion of Phase II of this effort will lead to the development of: a) A MR sensor-based eddy current probe that may be used with existing eddy current instruments; b)A simple handheld instrument that uses the dc output of the bridge to measure a conductor thickness. The device would consist of a driver coil, a sinusoidal source and a digital output display; and, c) An eddy current instrument that utilizes the three independent pieces of information for variety of parameter measurements.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

F.E. Levert

KEMP, Inc.

1725 Magnolia Ave.

Knoxville , TN 37917 - 7827

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

KEMP, Inc.

1725 East Magnolia Avenue

Knoxville , TN 37917 - 7827

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.07-3555 (Chron: 991724 )

PROJECT TITLE

Wideband Tunable Fiber Laser

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

QorTek will develop an advanced hardware demonstration of a compact and functionally integrated tunable laser. The prototype will demonstrate a new dually opposed wideband extension-compression piezo-actuated approach to modulation that will enable larger wavelength excursion at sweep frequencies needed for emission or damage detection by NASA. The demonstration prototype will be VME board fiber modulation system that integrates dichroic and Bragg grating reflective optics, fiber laser tensioning assembly, piezoelectronic power electronics and polymeric damping. The project will yield an advanced wavelength tunable system and power electronics in more compact, higher performance package, suitable for densely populated VME integration. The result for this program shall be an advanced fully integrated development demonstration prototype. The prototype will be continuously tunable over ±10 nm (with ±10 nm extended goal) centered at 1550 nm in a 0.2 ft3. The design will be suitable for integration into a fiber-optic gas leakage and structural fault-detection system for NASA critical platforms such as X-33 and space shuttle.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Several corporations including NorTel, MCI and ONI to commercial fiber communication and CiDRA for oil & gas exploration are already seeking the Phase I design for possible commercial sale. The proposed tunable fiber modulation system is attracting interest from Boeing ISDS Phantom Works, Seattle WA. Boeing has immediate needs for optically integrable modulation for automated fault detection on JSF, space vehicles and aging aircraft.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Gareth Knowles

QorTek, Inc.

4121 Jacks Hollow Road

Williamsport , PA 17702 - 9539

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

QorTek, Inc.

4121 Jacks Hollow Road

Williamsport , PA 17702 - 9539

PROJECT TITLE: DESIGN OF A HIGH INTENSITY PULSED PLASMA (HIPP) PROPULSION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Environmental degradation of adhesive bonds of composite or metallic structures affects predominantly the adhesive/adherent interface by decreasing the number of molecular bonds between the adhesive and the substrate. The objective of the proposed Phase I work is to perform a feasibility study of a novel non-linear ultrasonic method for quantitative characterization of molecular bond density with the objective of determining the local bond strength. The innovation of the proposed method is to perform an ultrasonic characterization of the interface enhanced by parametric dynamic vibrations. The density of molecular bonds, described by an equivalent interfacial spring density, is quantitatively determined using dual beam ultrasonic spectroscopy at different points of the dynamic loading curve. The method permits separating the linear and non-linear behavior of the bulk adhesive and adhesive/substrate interface. Comparison between the measured spring density at tensile and compressive loads leads to a characterization of the local interfacial strength. Based on the accomplishments of Phase I, Phase II developments will be proposed including extended study of the method applicability for assessment of adhesively bonded structures and the delivery to NASA of the dedicated Angle Beam Ultrasonic Spectroscopy acquisition system for evaluation of Adhesive Joints under Parametric Excitation.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The Stress Modulated Angle Beam Ultrasonic System is a unique ultrasonic measurement technique for localized bond strength measurement and would have broad marketing potential in the aerospace and automotive industries as well as in composite manufacturing and in other segments where adhesive joining technology is utilized.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Laszlo Adler
Adler Consultants, Inc.
1275 Kinnear Road
Columbus , OH 43212 - 1155

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Adler Consultants, Inc.
1275 Kinnear Road
Columbus , OH 43212 - 1155

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.07-4960 (Chron: 991952 )

PROJECT TITLE

Hybrid Thermographic Detection of Kissing Unbond Defects

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Fast, portable IR NDE systems capable of automated operation and quantitative defect measurement are now commercially available, and have been credited with significant cost savings in aerospace manufacturing and service sectors. However, despite advantages of speed and wide area, non-contact inspection, IR methods are limited in their ability to detect disbonds in which there is mechanical contact but no adhesive bond. We will investigate the feasibility of a system for detection of these "kissing unbonds" using a novel combination of pulsed thermography and applied vacuum stress. Both vacuum stress and flash heating will be applied to the part, and a differential IR image comparing the post-flash cooling of the stressed and unstressed part will be generated.

The apparatus for acquiring the image and applying the heating and vacuum stress will be housed in a portable hood with a 10" x 10" field of view, and typical acquisition times of 20 seconds. If successful, the fully realized system will extend the capabilities of thermographic NDE systems to allow inspection of skin to core disbonds in honeycomb and foam core structures, and thick composite components used in the space shuttle and X-33, as well as commercial and military aircraft.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed Hybrid Pulsed Thermography (HPT) system will significantly expand the market potential of IR NDI in the aerospace and automotive industries. Aerospace applications include inspections for skin to honeycomb or foam core disbonds, which are relevant for aircraft control structures, propellers, and jet engine casings; and identification of delaminations. The proposed system will be particularly useful for inspection of large scale structures such as the Space Shuttle Orbiter payload bay door, the fixed foam fuel tank insulation for the Delta IV, and commercial aircraft rudders and elevators. At present, inspection of these structures often requires multiple passes using a combination of NDI methods (e.g. shearography and thermography for the payload bay door). The potential for application of the HPT system in automotive manufacturing is enormous, as acceptance of composites as a substitute for steel continues to grow. For example, a consortium of Ford, GM and Chrysler are currently collaborating to develop an all composite truck bed, which will require online inspection. Pulsed Thermography has been identified as the leading candidate for inspection of the bed, with the caveat that kissing unbonds may go undetected. These and many other automotive applications will be better served by the HPT system.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Tasdiq Ahmed, PhD

Thermal Wave Imaging, Inc.

18899 W 12 Mile Road

Lathrup Village , MI 48076 - 2558

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Thermal Wave Imaging, Inc.

18899 W. 12 Mile Road

Lathrup Village , MI 48076 - 2558

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 01.07-9217 (Chron: 991932 )

PROJECT TITLE

Spin-Dependent-Tunneling Sensors for Non-Destructive Evaluation

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The proposed innovation is a two-axis spin-dependent-tunneling (SDT) sensor which detects small magnetic signals for use in non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of defects in metallic materials and structures. The proposed SDT sensor offers several advantages for NDE eddy current detection methods: (1) High sensitivity. The ability to resolve fields of 10 nOe/root Hz or better, yet operate at room temperature, and have a broad band frequency response. (2) Two-axis magnetic field sensing. This allows vector determination of the magnetic signal in the plane of the detector. (3) Sensor arrays. Fabrication of the sensors uses silicon-based techniques, and therefore the sensors are small--roughly 2 mm on a side. Compact sensor arrays are possible and offer advantages for defect recognition and spacial determination without requiring the sensor to be scanned. Phase I will develop an innovative approach for fabricating a two-axis sensor on a single chip. The proposed sensor is suitable for many types of eddy current detection methods as well as suitable for position sensing. Phase II will use the sensor in the development of a sensing array for an eddy current NDE system.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The sensors developed in this program can be used in a wide variety of applications including NDE eddy current detection methods for metallic structures of interest to NASA as well as aircraft and ships for military and commercial use. The sensors are not limited to NDE use but would be suitable for position sensing and a range of low-field applications such as the detection and identification of buried metal objects.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Catherine Nordman

Nonvolatile Electronics, Inc.

11409 Valley View Road

Eden Prairie , MN 55344 - 3617

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Nonvolatile Electronics, Inc.

11409 Valley View Road

Eden Prairie , MN 55344 - 3617

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 02.01-0700 (Chron: 991693 )

PROJECT TITLE

Active/Passive Attenuation of Sound in Aircraft Interiors

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Active Control eXperts (ACX), Inc. proposes a Phase I research and development effort for the development, conceptual design, and proof-of-concept experiment of a hybrid active/passive sound attenuation system for aircraft interiors. While the attenuation of structural vibration and structure-borne sound using passive means is the current state-of-the-art, and active structural acoustic control (ASAC) has received wide attention in the academic community in the past decade, a functional system combining the relative advantages of both approaches has yet to be developed and tested. A successful development and demonstration of such a system will, therefore, constitute a major innovation in the field of structure-borne sound control. The proposed system is a complete sound attenuation solution, including passive-only, active-only, and hybrid surface mounted patches. These patches are completely encapsulated and ready to be bonded to the fuselage panels. The system further includes error sensor, pre-amplifiers, control implementation electronics, and power electronics for the active and hybrid patches. In addition, a comprehensive design methodology is developed for the optimal placement and sizing of the three types of patches, as well as for control law design. The development of such methodology, backed up by commercial manufacturing capability and solid design techniques, will greatly advance the goal of reducing noise pollution in aircraft interiors.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The active-passive sound attenuation technology to be developed under this program offers broad potential to commercial potential in applications across several different industries. Two specific market applications are aircraft interiors and automotive interiors. ACX estimates the annual production revenue potential of the aircraft interior application (new equipment only) to be >1M dollars annually. The automotive application offers an annual production revenue potential to ACX of >10M dollars annually.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Baruch Pletner

Active Control eXperts, Inc.

215 First Street

Cambridge , MA 02142 - 1227

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Active Control eXperts, Inc.

215 First Street

Cambridge , MA 02142 - 1227

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 02.01-2800 (Chron: 992113 )

PROJECT TITLE

Aero/Acoustic Tailoring of GA Airplanes to Reduce Certification & Cabin Noise

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The goal of the proposed NASA SBIR project is to design, develop, FAA certify, and manufacture an integrated aero/acoustic improvement to propeller driven General Aviation airplanes to reduce cabin and community noise and increase propulsive efficiency and fuel economy. The elements of the integrated propulsion system improvement include (1) modifying the engine cowl to be more axisymmetric to reduce propeller/cowl interference noise, (2) extending and aerodynamically refining the forward portion of the cowl to reduce the amount of acoustic disturbance caused by the cowl, (3) employing a modern propeller design to reduce susceptibility to inflow distortion, and (4) modifying the wind screen configuration to reduce separated flow that causes cabin broadband noise. Recent public surveys by the NASA AGATE Program have revealed that cabin noise and airframe vibration are two of the largest detriments to public acceptance of GA aircraft for transportation. The proposed project is consistent with the objectives of RFP Topic 02 to effect dramatic reductions in light aircraft reduce community noise by 10 EPNdB within ten years and to reduce cabin noise to increase passenger comfort. It is also consistent with the NASA Acoustics Program, the goals of the NASA AGATE Program, and the proposed NASA Small Airplane Transportation System (SATS).

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The direct commercial potential for the proposed project is the manufacture and sale of:

· A general aviation airplane incorporating the proposed aero/acoustic technology.

· Production and sale of improved engine cowls to existing aircraft owners.

· Production and sale of improved engine cowls to other light aircraft manufacturers.

Global Aircraft Corporation is currently certifying its GT-3 Trainer airplane under FAA Part 23 Regulations. The Company is in the process of starting production of a revolutionary new composite propeller that has been developed under the NASA SBIR Program. The Company currently has available funding to construct the initial production facility by November 1999. Global has adequate financial reserves in the current credit facility to finance production of the Aero/Acoustic Cowl to be developed and FAA certified in Phase II.

The proposed aero/acoustic cowl will be complimentary to the Quasi-Constant Speed Composite Propeller developed by the Company and currently starting production. The combined noise reduction of the propeller (5-8 dBA) and the aero/acoustic cowl will produce significant noise reduction in both community noise and cabin noise and should be well received by aircraft owners and the general public.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Michael R. Smith

Global Aircraft Corporation

424 Hwy 12 W

Starkville , MS 39759 - 3635

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Global Aircraft Corporation

P O Box 850

Starkville , MS 39760 - 0850

PROJECT TITLE: Sensor for SOx Species by Ultra-Sensitive IR Quantum Cascade Laser Absorption

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a compact, portable, ultrasensitive SO2/SO3 sensor system based on quantum cascade laser absorption in the 7 to 9 µm spectral region. The sensor will have applications in laboratory and combustor test stand measurements related to the development of advanced gas turbine engines for subsonic jet aircraft, and specifically addresses the need to characterize proportionation and atmospheric environmental impacts of oxidized fuel-bound sulfur in the engine exhaust. The use of novel quantum cascade laser technology in the sensor will enable the first high-sensitivity detection of SOx species at mid-IR wavelengths with a near-room temperature, single-mode laser. The proposed Phase I effort will demonstrate the feasibility and sensitivity of detection of SO2 by this method, and will design a prototype instrument for delivery to NASA in Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The SOx sensor has commercial potential in the aerospace, chemical, petrochemical, and environmental monitoring industries. The sensor can be used as a fenceline contamination or pollution monitor at airports, petrochemical processing plants, or combustion-based power generation facilities.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

W. Terry Rawlins

Physical Sciences Inc.

20 New England Business Center

Andover , MA   01810 - 1077

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Physical Sciences Inc.

20 New England Business Center

Andover , MA   01810 - 1077

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 02.03-4800B (Chron: 991527 )

PROJECT TITLE

Turbine Burner for High Pressure Ratio, Low NOx Gas Turbine Engines

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The turbine burner is an innovative, potentially revolutionary concept for very low emissions and increased specific thrust while maintaining or improving cycle efficiency through increased overall pressure ratio. Heat addition in the turbine burner between the low pressure and high pressure turbine (constant temperature heat addition) is a better approximation of the ideal Carnot cycle. Moving a portion of the full power heat addition from the main combustor to the turbine burner reduces peak flame temperature which can drastically reduce NOx emissions and improve turbine life. A turbine burner must be compact, lightweight, and durable (no risk of fuel passage coking), must rapidly mix the fuel and air at a very lean equivalence ratio (to keep NOx at negligible levels), and have very low pressure drop to be successful. A turbine burner that meets these requirements and is closely integrated with the low pressure turbine stator will be developed in this SBIR project.

The overall feasibility of the turbine burner will be assessed with a numerical approach in Phase I. Numerical analyses will be used to rapidly evaluate various concepts, demonstrate low NOx emissions at full power, and show that combustion in the turbine can be achieved with acceptable weight and cost penalties. In Phase II, selected concept(s) will be further optimized and tested in rig facilities in cooperation with General Electric Aircraft Engines.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The turbine burner concept developed in this SBIR program will result in decreases in NOx emissions and/or increases in thrust-to-weight ratio in advanced gas turbine engines. A successful turbine burner concept of this type would be a potentially revolutionary break-through. General Electric has expressed interest in the technology and development in Phase II will be targeted toward application in one of their engines.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

D. Scott Crocker

CFD Research Corporation

215 Wynn Dr.

Huntsville , AL 35805 - 1926

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

CFD Research Corporation

215 Wynn Dr.

Huntsville , AL 35805 - 1926

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 02.03-9500 (Chron: 991959 )

PROJECT TITLE

Multiple jet engine pollutant measurement with tunable diode laser arrays

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This SBIR Phase1 project will involve the development of a novel method of simultaneously measuring multiple trace chemical species in jet engine exhaust, based upon an extension of the technology of tunable diode laser (TDL) spectroscopy. We will develop and demonstrate a new means of combining the light from two or more diode lasers into a single analysis beam. This will enable a multiplication of the number of chemical species which are simultaneously measured. The type of beam multiplexing technique which we intend to investigate has not been previously demonstrated in a TDL system. This type of measurement system will serve the needs of quantifying aircraft exhaust in several ways. The simultaneous measurement of minor constituents and either CO2 or H2O allows the determination of an emission index for the minor species. A greater number of simultaneous concentration measurements allows a better understanding of the basic chemistry of the combustion process and will enable development of engine systems with reduced emissions. The proposed technology can enhance existing TDL systems, including two currently used by NASA in combustion emissions studies, and others in use in atmospheric applications.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The innovation proposed here will simplify the optical layout for multiple diode laser instruments and result in a much more attractive commercial product than is presently available. Commercial markets include multiple species measurements in aircraft engine emission characterization and engine certification tests, automobile engine emission performance measurements, the semiconductor fabrication industry, petroleum industry geochemical prospecting, and industrial process monitoring. Research markets for this technology would include atmospheric research, air pollution monitoring, and greenhouse gas emission inventory determinations.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

John Barry McManus

Aerodyne Research, Inc.

45 Manning Road

Billerica , MA 01821 - 3976

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Aerodyne Research, Inc.

45 Manning Road

Billerica , MA 01821 - 3976

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.01-0822 (Chron: 992054 )

PROJECT TITLE

Expert System for Missile and Launch Vehicle Base Heating

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Base heating environment prediction for launch vehicles and missiles due to propulsion system exhaust plume/plume and exhaust plume/external flow interaction currently a complicated and very labor-intensive process.

Experienced analysts using data, empirical methods and/or Computational Fluid Dynamics models currently perform this process. Plumetech proposes to develop a Windows-based Expert System software package that integrates an experienced based convective base heating methodology with recently developed Artificial Intelligence methodologies for computing exhaust plume flowfields. With NASA becoming more directly involved in base heating environment specifications for new launch vehicle concepts, it is essential that plume induced environment models be developed that can be used to accurately evaluate launch vehicle design changes.

There are very few analysts left that possess the experience and expertise required to produce accurate missile and launch vehicle base heating environments. Accurate launch system design evaluations must be performed without compromising the quality of the analysis because of the lack of experience of the analysts with the current prediction techniques and models. The proposed Phase I study is innovative in that it combines recent advances in

Artificial Intelligence applied to plume modeling with new base heating methodologies that allow easy, accurate, and rapid computation of launch vehicle base environments.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The initial use for this technology is the specification of thermal design environments due to rocket exhaust plume/plume and plume/external flow interactions on launch vehicle and missile bases. The Phase II product will provide an accurate low cost product that can be used by private industry and government agencies to provide design environments and rapidly address the impact of design changes on safety margins of any system that is subject to base heating. This package will be easily marketable based on its versatility, simplicity, accuracy and ease of use by non-experts.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Sheldon D. Smith

Plumetech

1604 Willowbrook Dr.

Huntsville , AL 35802 - 3933

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Plumetech

1604 Willowbrook Dr.

Huntsville , AL 35802 - 3933

PROJECT TITLE: Quantifying Instability Sources in Liquid Rocket Engines

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

SECA, Inc. proposes to develop computational methodology to predict the effects of acoustic pressure oscillations on combusting flows in liquid rocket engines. The proposed methodology will serve to explain the causal physics of combustion driven acoustic resonances in liquid rocket engine combustor environments Relevant to the design strategy for controlling pressure oscillations and combustion instability. Problems arising from these processes are destructive pressure oscillations and temperature excursions which induce low and high cycle Fatigue in hot section components and in extreme cases engine failure. Such problems are particularly acute in hydrocarbon fueled engines which utilize impinger injector elements. Critical components of this methodology are: the computational algorithm in the flow solver, the chemical kinetics and spray dynamics of the combustion process, the turbulence model, the method of applying time accurate boundary conditions, and the geometric configurations of the propellant feed system and of the combustor. The proposed methodology will minimize the need for extensive, expensive trial-and-error testing which is the current design practice. The Phase II research shall validate the combusting flow methodology with an experimental study of subscale, but realistically configured, hydrocarbon liquid rocket engine combustor and analyze several full- scale combustors.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Potential users of combustor stability analysis include: NASA and DOD for liquid, solid, and hybrid rocket motors; NASA and Air Force for gas turbine engines; the Gas Research Institute for convensional and pulse gas burners; and DOE, TVA, and Southern Company Services for oil and coal burners.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Richard Farmer 
SECA, Inc. 
3313 Bob Wallace Ave., Suite #201 
Huntsville , AL   35805 - 4063

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

SECA, Inc. 
3313 Bob Wallace Ave., Suite #201 
Huntsville , AL   35805 - 4063

PROJECT TITLE: Launch Vehicle Integrated Guidance Software - Reducing Operations Cost

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The overall objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate an integrated guidance software system that addresses the end-to-end mission of an RLV (pre-flight planning through landing). The ultimate benefits from this technology will reduce operations (recurring) costs. The projected high flight rates based on current market studies (and necessary to keep per flight costs low) will require guidance software that is much less expensive to support and maintain relative to state of the practice approaches used in the launch industry today. Lowering operations costs involves; (1) reducing the manpower required to plan, design and validate the end-to-end mission, and (2) reducing the turn-around time of developing a validated, flight ready mission guidance load (in hours instead of months). Ascent, on-orbit, entry and abort guidance schemes will be linked to a streamlined, automated mission design environment to allow rapid mission development. Highly reliable mission software validation results from the tight coupling of the vehicle flight software in a real time flight equivalent processor integrated with a PC-based vehicle simulation environment. An improved, operationally efficient automated entry guidance algorithm will also be matured.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Significantly reducing operations cost required to design and validate the guidance system for existing launch vehicles. This enhancement will also enable lower cost expendable and re-usable launch vehicles.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Michael J. Mahoney 
Universal Space Lines, Inc. 
1501 Quail Street, Suite 102 
Newport Beach , CA   92660 - 2726

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Universal Space Lines, Inc. (USL) 
1501 Quail Street, Suite 102 
Newport Beach , CA   92660 - 2726

PROJECT TITLE: DESIGN OF A HIGH INTENSITY PULSED PLASMA (HIPP) PROPULSION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Investigating what lies just outside our solar system has become important to understanding the dynamics of our solar system -- even to understanding the fate of our race. The possibility exists that large-scale future events, such as an increase in local interstellar gas density caused by an approaching dust cloud, may impact human existence. Such possibilities necessitate an active exploration of deep space to understand just what is out there. We propose to reinvestigate the concept of nuclear-device driven spacecraft for deep space missions. We intend to examine the feasibility of developing very low yield devices that will produce a suitable impulse to a specially designed craft. The impulse may be delivered to the craft by impact, ablation, or coupling to a magnetic field. We will also assess the architecture requirements for missions to 500 AU, to design a system that could perform such a mission, and to design a proof-of-concept experiment that would demonstrate a technology which is the basis of the system. Development of a system capable of delivering megajoules per kilogram will allow highly instrumented platforms to make fast missions to great distances. Such a development will open the trans-Pluto-neighborhood to humanity.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The commercial applications of nuclear devices has been examined in the past in Project Plowshare at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Though several were identified, the use of nuclear devices in the public domain is clearly not an option. Thus, we do not propose to develop commercial applications of the nuclear systems other than for future space missions. However, we do foresee several commercial possibilities for the techniques and computer codes that will be developed to complete this project. The MHD coupling of high-density, low-temperature plasmas to magnetic fields is an undeveloped realm in plasma physics. Extension of our capabilities to model such conditions could have application in fusion concepts, plasma deposition of materials, and the design of radiation shielding for future communications satellites. In addition, the application of plasma to enhance the properties of material surfaces is a new exciting region of research. Much of the work in this project involves accurate modeling of the plasma interactions with the surfaces of materials.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Steven D. Howe
Synergistic Technologies, Inc.
19 Karen Circle
Los Alamos , NM 87544 - 3797

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Synergistic Technologies, Inc.
19 Karen Circle
Los Alamos , NM 87544 - 3797

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.02-3646 (Chron: 991825 )

PROJECT TITLE

MagOrion-A Nuclear Propelled MagSail for Human Exploration of the Outer Planets

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Manned exploration beyond Mars requires very high specific energy. The only potential solution under discussion is fusion propulsion. However, fusion has been ten years away for forty years. We have an available solution that combines new technology with an old concept ? "Project Orion". The proposed "MagOrion" Propulsion System combines a magnetic sail (MagSail) with conventional small yield (0.5 to 1.0 kiloton) shaped nuclear fission devices. At detonation, roughly eighty percent of the yield appears as a highly-ionized plasma, and when detonated two kilometers behind a robust MagSail, approximately half of this plasma can be stopped and turned into thrust. A MagOrion can provide a system acceleration of one or more gravities with effective specific impulses ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 seconds. Dana Andrews and Robert Zubrin published a paper in 1997 that described the operating principles of the MagOrion. We have taken that concept through conceptual design to identify the major operational features and risks. During Phase I of the SBIR, we will quantify the system risks and establish either solutions or areas for risk mitigating demonstrations. The risks are considerable, but the potential payoff is staggering. Our proposed MagOrion will enable affordable exploration of the solar system.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Our MagOrion design is capable of delivering 100 metric tons to either Mars in 65 days or Jupiter in one year. It's high performance makes it the ideal choice as a reusable planetary space "freighter" to support human exploration of the solar system, development of scientific outposts, and even colonization. No other near term propulsion system, including Nuclear Thermal and Ion, can come close to matching the MagOrion's 20,000 seconds of specific impulse and half-million pounds of thrust. As we enter the third millennium, NASA has its sights set on Mars and destinations beyond. The MagOrion, which could be operating before the next decade is out, will enable NASA to cost effectively send human explorers to the primary planetary bodies of our solar system and establish bases on scientifically rich areas such as Mars and Europa. Where as the Space Shuttle is an Earth to orbit space taxi, the MagOrion is a planet to planet heavy lift space "freighter". Although the initial MagOrion customer is NASA, as humans turn to exploit space for its natural resources and entertainment potential, the low operating costs of the MagOrion (estimated at two thousand dollars per pound), could enable commercial ventures on other planets or moons.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Jason Andrews

Andrews Space & Technology

214 Main Street, PMB 195

El Segundo , CA 90245 - 6927

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Andrews Space & Technology

214 Main Street, PMB 195

El Segundo , CA 90245 - 3803

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.02-4646 (Chron: 992012 )

PROJECT TITLE

Friction Drag Reduction System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Accurate Automation Corporation proposes to design a system for reducing the friction drag on an aircraft by introducing an ion space charge into the aircraft's boundary layer. We will develop a detailed model for the drag reduction mechanism; evaluate the system performance; evaluate alternative electromagnetic and/ or mechanical processes for generating a space charge in the boundary layer of an aircraft from a bipolar weakly ionized gas; and design a wind tunnel experiment to evaluate the technology. The wind tunnel experiment will be fabricated and tested, and a conceptual design for a flight test aircraft will be performed in Phase II. This is the solution to a successful Phase III flight test, evaluation and production program.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Phase III customers of the proposed program will be DoD, NASA, BMDO, and aerospace prime contractors. Applications of developed WIG technology are numerous; from business jets to rockets to military jet fighters to Naval vessels. Commercialization of this technology will be heavily directed toward the civil aviation industry with applications to the growing and very competitive transonic business jet market. AAC will also leverage the technology to compete with the large aerospace companies on new defense applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Richard E. Saeks, Ph.D.

Accurate Automation Corporation

7001 Shallowford Road

Chattanooga , TN 37421 - 1716

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Accurate Automation Corporation

7001 Shallowford Road

Chattanooga , TN 37421 - 1716

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.02-6016B (Chron: 992689 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Fissioning Plasma Core Reactor Powered MHD-MPD Propulsion System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An advanced nuclear electric propulsion system based on gaseous and liquid droplet core reactor (GCR) with magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) power conversion is proposed. The energy of the partially ionized fissioning gas in GCR is directly coupled to the applied magnetic field of the MHD generator to achieve high conversion efficiency at high temperatures. The high operating temperature of the combined GCR-MHD power generation system provides a unique flexibility for weight and size reduction in heat rejection radiator, which are the most dominate part of such high power systems. For multimegawatt power operation, the system features core outlet temperatures of 3000 to 5000 K at pressures of about 10 to 100 atm, MHD temperatures of 2000 to 3000 K, and radiator temperatures of 1200 to 2500 K. This combination of parameters offers the potential for low total system specific mass in the range of .5 to 2.5 kg/KWe.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Low cost space transportation for deployment asset in mid to far space orbits.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Travis Knight

New Era Technolgy, Inc. (NETECH)

2435 NW 36th Terrace

Gainesville , FL 32605 - 2633

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

New Era Technology, Inc. (NETECH)

2435 NW 36th Terrace

Gainesville , FL 32605 - 2633

PROJECT TITLE: Heatpipe Power System (HPS) In-Space Fueling, A Simplified Approach

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A major objection to the use of nuclear energy for space applications is the perceived risk involved in the launching of a fully fueled nuclear reactor. Even when it is pointed out that the fuel is in fact not radioactive, concerns persist. It is acknowledged that to design a reactor able to withstand all conceivable launch accidents would result in an impractical heavy design. To avoid the above problem and to put to rest any concerns, it is proposed that the reactor be launched without fuel or partially fueled to avoid any possibility of the reactor attaining criticality in the event of a launch accident. This SBIR proposal describes an innovative approach to permit the reactor to be fueled in space in a simple operation.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

It is acknowledged that full commercialization of space will require major sources of energy in a compact form. The only currently feasible energy source for the foreseeable future is nuclear. The use of nuclear energy has been repearably frustrated by the concerns described above. Whether or not those concerns are viewed as realistic, in the current climate it is unlikely that nuclear energy will get off the ground unless these concerns are satisfactorily addressed. The approach described in this SBIR effectively puts these concerns at rest.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Frank Wiltshire

AMM

1798 Technology Dr

San Jose , CA   95110 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Advanced Methods and  Materials (AMM)

1798 Technology Dr

San Jose , CA   95110 - 1306

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.03-4200 (Chron: 992401 )

PROJECT TITLE

Space Durable Flexible Tether

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

On this Phase I Program, Triton Systems will develop a novel and innovative multifunctional, multi-strand space tether that will have lower weight, lower volume, and improved flexibility compared to state of the art electrodynamic tethers. Our innovative approach will use an available high strength metal clad fiber with proven space environment resistant coatings that provide tailorable surface emissivity and conductivity. The new tether can be woven or braided into a multi-strand tether. The Phase I effort will characterize different size fiber and weight % of metal cladding for candidate tethers, leading to a down-selected tether type. In late Phase I and early Phase II, developed tethers will be measured for diameter, weight, strength, flexibility, thermal-optical characteristics, conductivity and insulation properties. The Triton team will develop, with NASA testing, a Phase II Prototype tether, and Triton will then develop a Phase III commercial tether product.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

There is significant commercial potential for the space tethers to be developed under this program. All space vehicles in LEO orbit could use electrodynamic tethers for reboosting, deboosting, and for end of orbit to minimize space debris. Tethers of the type developed here will be needed on most or all future space vehicles.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Peter Schuler

Triton Systems, Inc.

200 Turnpike Road

Chelmsford , MA 01824 - 4000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Triton Systems, Inc.

200 Turnpike Road

Chelmsford , MA 01824 - 4000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.04-1980A (Chron: 992137 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Refractory Composite X-33 Thrust Chamber

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Lightweight, lower life-cycle cost and increased performance for next generation space propulsion systems such as ucooled thrust chambers and nozzles are essential to achieve the goals of the Access to Space Initiative.

The weight of the X-33 thrust chamber now made in silicated columbium can be reduced by at least 75% when constructed in SiC/SiC composites as well as providing increased temperature performance. A team of MER and Aerojet proposes to optimize reinforcement architecture in SiC/SiC composites that have five times the thermal conductivity of state-of-the-art SiC/SiC which dramatically reduces thermal stresses including investigating matrix doping with ZrC to minimize nozzle erosion and increase operation temperature and performance. The composite properties will be modeled to design an X-33 thrust chamber which will be fabricated in Phase I for test in Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The commercial applications in addition to rocket engines include combustors in gas turbins, burner tubes, internatl combustion engine components, furnace fixtures, brakes, electronic boards and thermal managements planes, etc.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. J.C. Withers

MER Corporation

7960 S Kolb Rd

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 9237

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

MER Corporation

7960 S. Kolb Rd.

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 9237

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.04-6365 (Chron: 992209 )

PROJECT TITLE

Solid Freeform Fabrication of ZrC/WRe Composites for Propulsion Applications

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The goal of this program is to develop a rapid and low-cost solid free form fabrication (SFF) technique to produce critical non-eroding propulsion components. The propulsion materials required for these applications must be able to demonstrate excellent ablation and oxidation resistance at temperature approaching 3000 deg. C, an adequate load bearing capabilities, non-catastrophic failure modes, and be able to withstand transient thermal shock.

Under previous NASA program ACR has developed carbide-based Fibrous Monolith composites and High Pressure Extrusion Rapid Prototyping of Ceramics. Recently, ACR has had success with the consolidation of FM composites by Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP). The implication of this success is that green ceramic parts grown directly from a Rapid Prototyping Machine can be directly loaded with no additional tooling into a HIP and consolidated to near net shape, regardless of their geometric complexity. This eliminates labor intensive hand lay-up processing, tooling, and costand process limitations of Hot Pressing. To this end, ACR proposes to develop a SFF processing and HIP consolidation to fabricate low cost near net shape ZrC/WRe FM ceramic composite components for propulsion-related applications.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed technology has tremendous potential for commercial applications. Ceramic composites produced by Fibrous Monolith technology are proven materials propulsion-related applications. In conjuction with SFF and hot isostatic pressing, these materials will be produced at a lower cost and faster rate, making them more attractive for high temperature propulsion related applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mark Rigali

Advanced Ceramics Research

3292 East Hemisphere Loop

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 5013

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc.

3292 East Hemsiphere Loop

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 5013

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.05-0822 (Chron: 992032 )

PROJECT TITLE

Unified Test Stand Design and Environmental Model

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The design of propulsion test stands and impact of new engines on existing test stands and surrounding environments requires the calculation of exhaust plume environments (pressure, radiative and convective heating, acoustics and environmental contamination). The current process is very labor-intensive and requires the use of a multitude of individual non-interacting models that requires several experts. Plumetech (PT) proposes to develop a PC Windows-based software package that integrates a CAD geometry module with the individual components of plume induced environments that can be used by personnel not versed in all models, to rapidly calculated the plume induced environments and determine the subsequent impact on the design, the environment and hardware in the area surrounding the stand. With NASA becoming more directly involved in test stand design and testing of propulsion systems, it is essential that NASA have the ability to provide the environments and determine the impact of the environments on test stands in a rapid, cost effective manner. The proposed Phase I study is innovative as it combines recent CAD surface geometry modeling advances with plume, plume induced environment and thermal response models that allow easy, accurate, and rapid computation/evaluation of the impact of the induced environments on test stands.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The initial use for this technology is the specification of pressure, thermal, acoustic and environmental design environments and the impact of the environments on the test stands and surrounding structure and environment.

The Phase II product will provide an accurate low cost product that can be used by private industry and government agencies to provide design environments and rapidly address the impact of design changes on safety margins of any engine testing facility. This package will be easily marketable based on its versatility, simplicity, accuracy and ease of use by personnel who are not experts in all aspects of plume induced environment and/or test stand design.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Sheldon D. Smith

Plumetech

1604 Willowbrook Dr.

Huntsville , AL 35802 - 3933

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Plumetech

1604 Willowbrook Dr.

Huntsville , AL 35802 - 3933

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.05-1460A (Chron: 991771 )

PROJECT TITLE

On-Line Propellant Monitoring System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Current rocket engine test, propellant quality sampling techniques require multi-point sample extraction and laboratory analysis. This is time consuming and expensive. NexGen Research proposes to develop a remotely distributed, multi-point, in-line, continuous monitoring system that will detect both particulate matter and trace contaminants in propellants and support gases in real time. NexGen will integrate miniaturized fiber optic based turbidity sensors and state-of-the-art fiber optic micromirror chemical sensor technology with remote, microprocessor based, signal processing to yield a low cost, reliable propellant system monitor that is intrinsically safe for explosive mixtures and free from electromagnetic interference. The fiber optic nature of the sensors (small size, light weight, low power requirements, ruggedness, reliability, and long distance telemetry) will allow for many low cost sensors to be distributed throughout the facility at critical points, including supplier inlets and test article supply ports. Real time, multi-point, monitoring will improve the overall quality control and lower facility operational costs. This Phase I project will demonstrate the proof of concept by fabricating and testing a small fiber optic based turbidity sensor for the detection of particulate mater, and two fiber optic chemical sensors for the detection of hydrocarbon and water trace contaminants.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The distributed, multi-point, fiber optic based sensor is a novel approach to both chemical sensing and turbidity measurement and will have wide spread uses in both military and commercial applications. The turbidity sensor can be used anywhere particulate contamination in liquid or gas is of interest and samples are being taken. This includes such applications as: aviation fuel monitoring, industrial process monitoring, water production, and waste water treatment. The moisture and hydrocarbon sensors also have many uses in industrial and environmental monitoring applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mark Wuestling

NexGen Research Corporation

12710 Hoover St.

Garden Grove , CA 92841 - 4167

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

NexGen Research Corporation

12710 Hoover Street

Garden Grove , CA 92841 - 4167

PROJECT TITLE: Miniature Sapphire Propulsion Sensor Suite

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Miniature, low cost, high-temperature instrumentation is needed for rocket propulsion testing and other aerospace applications. F&S and their development partners propose a miniature sapphire propulsion sensor suite capable of measuring hydrogen, temperature, pressure, and wall shear stress to temperatures in excess of 1500oC. Each of these sensors uses F&S' patented extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) technology to measure critical propulsion test parameters. During this Phase I program, F&S will focus on developing and demonstrating sapphire hydrogen and temperature sensors for propulsion test applications. These sensors will then be integrated with sapphire pressure and wall shear stress transducers currently under development by F&S through development of a common, low cost, high frequency, multi-channel measurement system. In the Phase II portion of this program, F&S will focus on ruggedization, optimization, and commercialization of the multi parameter measurement system and demonstrate the system at NASA Stennis Space Center and industry beta sites. F&S has a successful history of bringing novel fiber optic sensing concepts from the laboratory to marketable products and will use this experience to ensure near-term markets of the system.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed sensor instrumentation suite will find widespread commercial application in propulsion and high speed aircraft and spacecraft development, nuclear, chemical and material processing, and automotive industries.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Thomas Wavering 

F&S, Inc. 

2851 Commerce Street 

Blacksburg , VA   24060 - 6657

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

F&S, Inc. 

2851 Commerce Street 

Blacksburg , VA   24060 - 6657

PROJECT TITLE: Improved Components for Cryogenic Propellant Transfer Systems

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Technology for ground testing of propulsion systems is often as demanding as that of the flight system. While weight is not a restriction, reliability, cost, safety and performance are important. In particular, long-life, liquid-oxygen- compatible seal technology is essential to reduce recurring costs and provide personnel/equipment safety. A new material surfacing process, Laser Induced Surface Improvement (LISIsm), has demonstrated technical properties that make it promising for this application. The patent-pending surface alloying process permits a wide variety of metal and/or ceramic ingredients to be incorporated in a thin surface coating on component metals of interest. LISIsm forms unique non- equilibrium alloys with enhanced properties; i.e., properties not possible in bulk materials. The surface is permanent; i.e., cannot be separated via physical abuse or thermal cycling. The surface alloy can contain constituents that make it less susceptible to liquid oxygen, yet have hardness as required to protect from particulate scratching. Other research has focused on the process to make sealing surfaces softer (for better sealing) and to protect Inconnel from hydrogen embrittlement. Phase I will experiment with designated surface additives to substrate materials of interest. Phase II will extend these results to real hardware which can be tested in an operating environment.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Ground-based transfer systems for cryogenic fluids is a big business, both for the U.S. Government and commercial interests. In particular, the production of liquid-oxygen-compatible components which are not scratch-sensitive and are longer lasting can make LISIsm surface alloying a necessary part of production. This technology will permit safer, more reliable and probably less-costly components. High-pressure air systems may also benefit from the research. Many businesses that are not space related use cryogens.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Michael A. Riley 
Surface Treatment Technologies, Inc. 
P.O. Box 907, 1940 Elk River Dam Road 
Tullahoma , TN   37388 - 9998

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Surface Treatment Technologies, Inc. 
P.O. Box 907, 1940 Elk River Dam Road 
Tullahoma , TN   37388 - 9998

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.06-2624 (Chron: 991906 )

PROJECT TITLE

In-Mold Electron-Beam Curing of Large Resin Transfer Molded Composites

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Radius Engineering proposes to develop in-mold electron-beam (e-beam) curing of large, one-piece, integrated composite structures produced by resin transfer molding (RTM). The key to in-mold e-beam curing lies with the unique open lattice tooling structure and materials that have been engineered by Radius to minimized attenuation of the e-beam during curing. The open lattice structure results in a tool that is nearly an order of magnitude lower in density with a concurrent increase in curing efficiency than current tooling approaches. Electron-beam curing of large integrated composite structures is estimated to reduce the cost of these parts by 25 to 50 %. This innovation will help NASA make access to space affordable so the potential for scientific discoveries and for commerce in space can be realized.

The Phase I project will demonstrate feasibility of the e-beam RTM process using Radius' proprietary electron "translucent" tooling materials and structures.

In the Phase II project, the process will be further developed and scaled up to produce large composite structures. In Phase III, Radius will use the Phase II-developed process to fabricate composite structures for evaluation and for possible flight tests by NASA, along with developing equipment and processes directed towards Radius' commercial customers.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

There is strong commercial demand from Radius' current customers for large, integrated composites formed as a single piece. These customers span a wide range of industries and products including, aerospace (Boeing, Lockheed, Thiokol, etc), automotive (Rexnord, Johnson Controls, Volvo, etc), and recreation (Trek Bicycle, Callaway Golf, Titleist, etc). In addition, Radius' customers include several NASA centers, who can also make use of this technology.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dimitri Milovich

Radius Engineering, Inc.

3474 South 2300 East

Salt Lake City , UT 84109 - 3069

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Radius Engineering, Inc.

3474 South 2300 East

Salt Lake City , UT 84109 - 3069

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.06-5800 (Chron: 992099 )

PROJECT TITLE

Brazed Aluminum Matrix Composite Material for Cryotanks, Lines and Ducts

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The next generation of reusable launch vehicle and satellite structures require new materials to meet aggressive program objectives such as decreasing vehicle weight in order to increase payload, and reducing cost per launch in order to decrease cost per pound of payload. Materials which have improved specific strength and specific stiffness, especially at cryogenic and elevated temperatures, will enable NASA to meet these aggressive program goals by supporting the development of stronger, lighter and more thermally stable launch vehicle and spacecraft components. Touchstone's Brazed AMC material demonstrates all of these desired properties. This material has close to double the specific strength and specific stiffness of structural aluminum alloys. It also maintains these properties at higher temperatures than current aerospace alloys. As such, Touchstone's material can serve as an enabling technology for many launch vehicle and spacecraft applications, including engine and thrust structures, lines and ducts, cryogenic tanks, and satellite structures. This proposal discusses a new material system which can be an enabling technology in the development of these new launch vehicle and spacecraft components. The new material system consists of a continuously-reinforced aluminum matrix composite (AMC) material manufactured using techniques commonly used to produce polymer matrix composites (PMCs).

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Touchstone's Brazed Aluminum Matrix Composite material could be used in numerous applications where high-specific strength and stiffness are required at a wide temperature range (cryogenic to more than 600 degrees F). Such applications include components in spacecraft, aircraft, automotive and other transportation applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Brian L. Gordon

Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd.

The Millennium Centre, R.D. 1, Box 100B

Triadelphia , WV 26059 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Touchstone Research Laboratory

The Millenium Centre, R.D. 1, Box 100B

Triadelphia , WV 26059 - 0000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.06-6300 (Chron: 992351 )

PROJECT TITLE

Rapid Prototyping of continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

For propulsion related applications, materials must be able to demonstrate excellent ablation and oxidation resistance at temperature approaching 3500?C, adequate load bearing capabilities, non-catastrophic failure modes, and ability to withstand transient thermal shock. Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. (ACR) has developed low cost, flexible-manufacturing processes for Zr & Hf-based carbon fiber reinforced composites, materials with good oxidation and ablation resistance up to 3500ºC. This process, called Continuous Composite Co-extrusion (C3), incorporates carbon fibers to fabricate 'in-situ' carbide and boride-matrix/carbon fiber composites. In this Phase I program, ACR proposes an innovative solid freeform form fabrication (SFF) approach to produce Hf and Zr based ceramic composite components reinforced with continuous carbon fiber tows for critical structural components such as tubes and blisks. The process is simple, robust and will be widely applicable to a number of material systems. In this program, ACR will collaborate with Professor Jack Gillespie at the Center for Composite Materials at University of Delaware (UD), who has been a principal contributor to the development of non-autoclave curing and fabrication of polymer matrix composites. In phase I, UD will assist in fabricating 2-D composite panels at UD. ACR will perform mechanical testing and microscopy on the panels.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The solid freeforming of 'green' continuous fiber ceramic composite by the co-extrusion process along with non-autoclave curing for final consolidation will lead to a low cost processing technique for fabrication of continous fiber ceramic composites (CFCCs). This will make CFCCs very attractive for use in propulsion related applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Ranji Vaidyanathan, Ph. D

Advanced Ceramics Research

3292 E. Hemisphere loop

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 5013

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc.

3292 E. Hemisphere Loop

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 5013

PROJECT TITLE: Low Temperature Active Metal Joining of Aluminum Alloys for Space Structures

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An enabling joining technology for aluminum, aluminum-lithium and aluminum composite fabrications used in space structures is proposed. Thermal management and the control of large temperature differences in space structures require extensive use such alloys but to date, joining has either relied on epoxy or mechanical fastening techniques. The high thermal conductivity of the proposed metal joining process and its low joining temperatures will increase thermal performance while lowering the cost of component fabrication. Additionally, the proposed process will permit rework and repair, further lowering fabrication costs.

Key to the proposed S-Bond process are a new family of active low temperature(200-450ºC) Sn(Zn)-Ag-Ti-X alloys that can wet and bond to aluminum and many metals. The objective of the proposed Phase I work is to demonstrate the fabrication of aluminum and aluminum composite components using MRi's Low temperature active metal joining process. This will be accomplished by testing joints on a range of Al-alloys and aluminum composites to corrosion resistant or low CTE metals. Phase I will also demonstrate a simulator component to test the assembly of aluminum radiator panels for space probes that require joining aluminum fins or fabric to metal cooling fluid tubes (stainless steel or Kovar®). Additionally, flanged components and/or optical instrument support simulators will be bonded to tank, truss, and bulkhead simulators. Phase II will center on process optimization and full size component fabrication.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Low temperature active metal joining has the potential to be a major technology advance that enables fabrication of aluminum and aluminum composite structures being designed for many aircraft, aerospace and satellite structures. The process simplifies and lowers fabrication costs, permits easy rework and while it enables new designs without fasteners. Applications include commercial and military aircraft, commercial satellites and in high speed precision machinery (e.g for microelectronics fabrication) where thermal control, low weight and low thermal expansion is a concern.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Ronald W. Smith

Materials Resources International

403 Elm Avenue

North Wales , PA   19454 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Materials Resources International

403 Elm Avenue

North Wales , PA   19454 - 0000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.07-4242 (Chron: 991610 )

PROJECT TITLE

Brazing Silicon CMCs to Superalloys for Turbomachinery Applications

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Laminated ceramic matrix composites are being considered for a number of engine structural applications in NASA's Reusable launch Vehicle (RLV) system. However, technology to reliably attach CMC parts to superalloy structural components currently does not exist. Two key obstacles in ceramic to metal joining are the non wetting nature of ceramics and the large thermal expansion mismatch between these adherends, leading to high residual stresses. In addition, laminated CMCs have low interlaminar shear and tensile strengths (3 to 4 ksi) and are particularly susceptible to premature failure due to residual stresses.

In Phase I, Foster-Miller will demonstrate an innovative braze joining technology that will enable high strength joints between SiC matrix composites and a representative superalloy. The work will include finite element analyses of the joint as well as joint specimen fabrication and testing. We have teamed with a major rocket engine manufacturer who has committed to providing engineering support in the design and test planning areas.

The Phase II program will involve design and process optimization followed by scale-up to attachment of a representative rocket engine component.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The CMC to superalloy attachment technology developed under this Phase I will have many other aerospace and industrial applications. These include: IHPTET based gas turbine engines, land based turbines, reentry vehicle structures, hot gas filters, chemical processing equipment, earth moving equipment, diesel engines, etc. Performance requirements for the next generation systems in these applications mandate the use of ceramic and CMC components. However, to make this possible, a reliable CMC-metal attachment method must be developed, as proposed under this program.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Uday Kashalikar

Foster-Miller, Inc.

350 Second Ave.

Waltham , MA 02451 - 1196

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Foster-Miller, Inc.

350 Second Ave.

Waltham , MA 02451 - 1196

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 03.07-9877 (Chron: 991445 )

PROJECT TITLE

Friction Stir Welding of Dissimilar Materials

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a new process which can weld alloys traditionally considered "unweldable." The FSW phenomena is not well understood and the existing tool designs are subject to overheating resulting in the tool melting or deforming limiting commercial applications to low melt temperature alloys. The objective of the Phase I research effort is to develop analytical models of the FSW process which predicts important parameters (e.g., temperature and strain distributions, residual stresses) in the tool, weld, and base materials as a function of the materials used and the tool geometry. These models can then be used in Phase II to develop improved designs of the FSW tool and overall process parameters for joining dissimilar materials such as aluminum-lithium and aluminum metal matrix composites and hard to weld materials such as refractory metals and titanium.

Phase I activities will include development of kinematic, linear finite element and nonlinear finite element models of FSW.

Validation of these models will be accomplished by comparison with existing experimental data.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

There will be two primary products of the multi-phase SBIR effort. The first end-item-commercial product will be the analytical software models of the FSW process which can be marketed to the various FSW fabricators as a tool for optimizing the process parameters to improve joint efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. The

second product of the research effort will be a line of FSW Tools that can be used to join materials not currently weldable by existing systems. Applications for FSW tools include shipbuilding, aerospace, railway, automobile and construction industries.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Craig P. Schmitz

AZ Technology, Inc.

4901 Corporate Drive, Suite 101

Huntsville , AL 35805 - 6201

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

AZ Technology, Inc.

4901 Corporate Drive, Suite 101

Huntsville , AL 35805 - 6201

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 04.01-5000 (Chron: 992610 )

PROJECT TITLE

SATSNet an Extranet for the Nation's Small Airports

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A critical barrier for GA to serve as viable fast personal transportation is the lack of a uniform, yet open-growth, travel information infrastructure. Dynamic Systems Integration's (DSI) vision is to create an innovative small airport-based information system for the 21st century GA traveler - SATSNet will serve as a vital enabler for NASA's General Aviation Transportation Vision. DSI will use its network expertise to first create a standard small airport software and hardware package. The main technical element will be an airport to community dynamic information structure allowing remote hotel, car attraction information & reservations, as well as current weather (voice, graphics or text)

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Commercial applications include the installations at most of the 5,000 GA airports in the country. This product will also be designed for use by airport and community businesses. Spin offs may include other software & hardware applications related to GA travel. DSI estimates sales revenues of $5 Million per year upon launching Phase III commercialization.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

James F. Butt

Dynamic Systems Integration

529 Central Drive

Virginia Beach , va 23454 - 5228

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Dynamic Systems Integration, Inc.

529 Central Drive

Virginia Beach , VA 23454 - 5228

PROJECT TITLE: The Stationary Regenerator, Barrel Cam, Reciprocating Aircraft Engine

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The stationary regenerator barrel cam engine addresses the needs of the GAA engine subtopic by providing:(1)very large reductions in life cycle cost (40% better fuel economy, reduced aircraft and engine weight, less maintenance), (2)substantial performance improvements, (3)increased safety and reliability (diesel-like engine features, safer fuel, ease of operation), and (4)improved environmental compatibility (reduced noise and emissions, heavier fuel). The objective of this program is to combine two engine technologies: regeneration and the axial cylinder, barrel-cam engine. Regeneration has been under development at Caterpillar, ReJen, and elsewhere, under NASA, Navy, and Caterpillar funding. The barrel cam engine is being developed by Lowi with some NASA support. The successful merging of these two, synergistic, technologies will result in a new type of engine with outstanding applicability to GAA propulsion. The barrel cam engine circumvents several of the more severe problems confronting regenerated engine development at Caterpillar, and the regenerated cycle reduces the peak cylinder pressure loads on the barrel cams. In Phase I the feasibility and basic design will be established. A technology demonstrator engine will be built and tested in Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

In-Cylinder regeneration can have a huge impact throughout the power generation, earthmoving, and transportation industries. Ultimately, this new engine technology could find its way into nearly all reciprocating engines withdramatic effects on world- wide fuel usage, the national economy and employment, and US technological leader ship (see results of Caterpillar market study in Part 10). It is most especially applicable to aircraft, where its compact size, exceptional fuel economy, and other features will result in a substantial reduction in aircraft life-cycle cost, increased performance, and improved reliability and safety. This new approach of a barrel-cam regeneratedengine, proposed herein, offers a means to bring this technology to market sooner and to further improve its performance and applicability to aircraft. It offers a means to most dramatically revitalize the GAA industry.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Allan Ferrenberg 
The ReJen Company 
255 Rimrock Dr., Swall Meadows 
Bishop , CA   93514 - 9201

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

The ReJen - Lowi Joint Venture 
255 Rimrock Dr., Swall Meadows 
Bishop , CA   93514 - 9201

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 04.02-3917 (Chron: 992081 )

PROJECT TITLE

High Speed Aero Diesel Demonstrator

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal outlines the manufacture and testing of a compact, lightweight, direct fuel-injected, sub-scale Aero-Diesel technology demonstrator with an integral turbo-supercharger. This innovative, high-speed, Heavy Fuel Engine (HFE) design achieves a power density of 1 lb./hp. Maximum air breathing is achieved using an integrated turbocharger. The synergistic, compact component arrangement minimizes size, weight, and thermal losses while enhancing propulsion efficiency. The engine delivers 8 power strokes per crank revolution resulting in an efficient, direct drive propeller. This multi-cylinder radial layout has perfect balance and no rocking couples without needing counterweights. The engine has a high firing frequency and low weight from just five dynamic components. The innovative, desmodromic crank mechanism reduces costs, vibration, and propeller noise due to the inherent 2:1 direct output drive. The Technical Objectives include investigating a suitable, high-speed diesel fuel injection and combustion system capable of 5,000 RPM on Jet A and DF-2 kerosene-based fuels. This combined-cycle design uses standard materials and low-cost commercial components and/or parts readily manufactured using CNC machine tools. Demonstration of the sub-scale technology demonstrator during the Phase I effort will ensure success of the full scale, 200 hp. model under Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The phase I sub-scale technology demonstrator will be introduced to the commercial motor/glider industry for early test flights. Phase II will result in a full-scale, General Aviation Aero Diesel Engine in the 150-200 hp. class.

The compact, modular design lends itself to multi-row radial configurations. One of these configurations defines a 2 row/8 cylinder as a 300-400 hp. module, while a 3 row/12 cylinder layout option is suitable for a 450-600 hp. aviation applications. The overall compact, high power density virtues of the design lend themselves to all commercial applications while retaining low cost due to the minimum components and ease of manufacture.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Greg Stevenson

GSE, Inc

219 E. Enterprise St.

Incline Village , NV 89450 - 7743

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

GSE, Inc.

219 E. Enterprise St.

Incline Village , NV 89450 - 7743

PROJECT TITLE: Active Control of Rotor Dynamic Stall

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A program for the development of an active control system for controlling dynamic stall on rotor blades is proposed. The system utilizes an array of pulsed jet actuators near the blade leading edge to control unsteady lift and flow separation during transient pitch-up. The ability to control these processes will alleviate problems which currently limit rotary-wing vehicle performance. The control system, which has previously been tested at low-speed, will be refined and tested on a small-scale rotor blade section mounted in a transonic wind tunnel at Ohio State University. The ability to control and delay dynamic stall events during oscillatory pitching of the model will be evaluated in open-loop experiments. Results from the tests will be used to develop parametric scaling laws to aid in designing an actuator system for full-scale rotors. The experimental results will be used as guidelines for the design of a Phase II prototype control system for large-scale testing at flight conditions.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The performance of both commercial and military rotorcraft will be enhanced through the application of the proposed control system. The system will alleviate rotor blade stall which currently limits high-speed forward flightand produces excessive noise in certain flight regimes. The successful development and application of this control system will result in the design of more versatile and quiet rotorcraft and VSTOL vehicles.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Keith R. McManus
Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover , MA   01810 - 1077

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Physical Sciences Inc.
20 New England Business Center
Andover , MA   01810 - 1077

PROJECT TITLE: 3-D Transition-Tracking Microzones for Rotorcraft Flowfield Predictions

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An innovative effort intended at understanding and predicting the transition to turbulence on rotary/ wings is proposed. The proposed approach involves a two level analysis - one for the overall flow field, and one for the transition regions. The overall flow field will be computed using a 3-D Navier-Stokes analysis. Transition will be monitored on microzones located on the rotor surface. In the microzones a nonlinear perturbation form of the 3-D Euler equations will be solved. A strategy is proposed for moving these microzones, until transition is detected at a number of radial locations on the rotor blade. The global flow field analysis and the transition analysis are Tightly coupled to one another, each influencing the other.

In Phase I, a 3-D dynamic stall experiment conducted by Piziali, and the surface pressure data for an UH-60A rotor tested by Lorber will be used to calibrate the proposed approach. In addition to engineering quantities, this approach is expected to yield a wealth of information about the behavior of flow fields in the vicinity of transition lines - invaluable in examining existing transition criteria and developing new ones. In Phase II, microzone transition analysis tool will be developed and interfaced with NASA Ames overset solver OVERFLOW.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed use of embedded microzones in a global field and the use of perturbation form of the Euler equations has several potential commercial offshoots. The study of fluid-mechanical micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) devices, sound generation in boundary layers and high-speed transition are some examples of direct applications of the proposed methodology.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Nahthan Hariharan

CFD Research Corporation

215 Wynn Dr.

Huntsville , AL   35805 - 1926

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

CFD Research Corporation

215 Wynn Dr.

Huntsville , AL   35805 - 1926

PROJECT TITLE: Application of a High-Order Accurate Implicit Method to Rotor Aerodynamics

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The objective of this proposal is to apply a new high-order accurate in space computational approach in the OVERFLOW code in order to resolve the essential features of helicopter flowfields more efficiently. The potential of the proposed method to improve resolution of tip vortices and rotor wakes at reduced computational cost will be demonstrated. The innovative aspect of the method is that the high­order of accuracy of the implicit operators is obtained at very little additional computing cost by applying compact space discretization. The proposed method yields time­accurate numerical solutions of the inherently unsteady helicopter rotor flowfields more efficiently than current methods. Tests for time integration of wave­type and inviscid flow problems showed that the new, implicit, high­order accurate in space method is superior in terms of achieved accuracy versus computational cost when compared with classical second­order accurate in space implicit methods. The ADI high­order method will be extended to curvilinear meshes and viscous flows to obtain solutions for realistic problems. In Phase I, the method will be implemented in the OVERFLOW code and the vortex blade interaction problem will be solved and in Phase II solutions of helicopter flowfields will be obtained.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Low­cost prediction methods are needed to improve rotor blade design and to obtain advanced analysis tools for rotor aerodynamics. Development of efficient and accurate numerical methods for the prediction of rotor aerodynamics has potential for applications in industry and contributes to efforts for improving helicopter flight and noise emission characteristics while reducing analysis and design cycle time.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

John A. Ekaterinaris
Nielsen Engineering and Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA   94043 - 2212

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Nielsen Engineering and Research, Inc.
526 Clyde Avenue
Mountain View , CA   94043 - 2212

PROJECT TITLE: Better Wind Tunnel Pressure Sensitive Paint Digital Camera Measurements

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Present pressure sensitive paint (PSP) measurement approaches are limited in speed or accuracy by the presently vailable CCD camera. This lack of pressure measurement accuracy vs time curtails hypersonic wind tunnel effectiveness for creating accurate design models for avionics. While manufacturers make fine cameras for many cientific applications, pressure sensitive paint, a flourescent technology, puts unusual constraints on the camera. Shot noise, caused by the limited number of photons that a CCD camera can process per frame, is the issue. The lourescent photons produced by the PSP are inversely proportional to the pressure. Accuracy is worse where you ant it most, at high pressures. The optimum solution for reduced noise is to gather more photons (signal). Of the hree ways to do this, 1.a brighter light source will destroy the paint. 2. Frame-frame addition lowers effective uantum efficiency and is too slow. 3. MOSAD©, for Multiplexed OverSample Analog to Digital converter, a new, innovative, imaging approach from Amain solves this problem: The oversample approach collects more hotons per unit time to achieve required accuracy, and the imaging process is continuous with no dead time so ransient phenomena can be recorded. This proposed development can be the first of many imaging solutions throughout NASA based on the new MOSAD © concept.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

This project has direct commercial applications for military, government, and industrial applications. The product ill be a new Digital Video Camera chip competing to fill some of the sockets now filled by CCD camera chips.This project will provide the design. Manufacturing will be outsourced. Distribution will be accomplished in house. Amain will market a device with improved sensitivity, continuous digital video imaging and snapshots, designed for use with a computer, at lower cost than the digital snapshot camera on the market today.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

William Mandl 
Amain Electronics Company,Inc
 1875 Angus Ave, Unit C 
Simi Valley , CA   93063 - 3474

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Amain Electronics Company,
 Inc 1875 Angus Ave, Unit C
 Simi Valley , CA   93063 - 3474

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.02-1974 (Chron: 992664 )

PROJECT TITLE

Low Profile, Autonomous, Remote, Integrated Sensors for Aerospace Vehicles

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Improved sensors are needed in nearly every complex engineering system. Among the unmet needs for sensors are autonomous sensors; i.e. those have an on-board, independent power supply. The purpose of this work is to develop miniature, remote, sensors, with an on-board power supply, consisting of an energy scavenger (such as photovoltaic cells) and microscopic batteries developed by Bipolar Technologies. In addition to the power supply, the sensors will contain a plurality of sensor elements (i.e. pressure, velocity, temperature, etc.) and a signal transmitter. A low-power, programmable, microprocessor is at the core of the device, which converts the analog information from the sensor elements, processes and converts it to a digital form. The sensor platform can accommodate other microsensor elements with convenience, depending on the needs of the user. The sensors will acquire information from their environment, and then send the information through as transmitter to a (distant) host.

They will operate at average power levels of < 1 mW, occupy ~ 1 cm2, and will be energy-independent.

During Phase I, a low profile (< 0.025 cm) sensor, including pressure and temperature sensing elements, will be demonstrated. During Phase II, more mature devices employing additional sensing elements will be built.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Remote autonomous sensors for process industry, aerospace vehicles, medical use, home environments, military systems, environmental monitoring and control

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Rodney M. LaFollette

Bipolar Technologies

4724 Brentwood Circle

Provo , UT 84604 - 5360

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Bipolar Technologies

4724 Brentwood Circle

Provo , UT 84604 - 5360

PROJECT TITLE: Aerospace Model Maker System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The proposed Sanders Aerospace ModelMaker (AMM) system provides an innovative rapid prototyping method of fabricating aerospace wind tunnel test models that dramatically increases instrumentation effectiveness with reduced complexity, cost and construction time. The AMM uses an in-situ layered deposition process to build ceramic test models that withstand high temperatures and have fully integrated sensor instrumentation interconnectivity features. The process uses a novel variation of proven low temperature, co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technology employed successfully by the microelectronics industry. The AMM system enables Layered fabrication with CNC precision, accuracy, surface smoothness, and high fidelity scale test models of up to eighteen inches. The finite layer resolution allows detailed, high fidelity construction. Composite fabrication enables the body core, low thermal conductivity outer surface, sensor interconnect wiring, and hollow cavity structures as an integral model. The integrated instrumentation wiring can be used to form temperature sensing thermocouples by coating the model with nickel (the thermocouple is formed at the junction of the wire and the nickel) or used in pairs of conductors to connect resistive thermal detectors (RTD's) at up to 128 selected test points. The AMM will revolutionize the aerospace wind tunnel test model construction process and reduce model cost, complexity, and construction time.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The U.S. Aero-Space Technology Enterprise must develop new tools, techniques, and technologies to reduce the aerospace vehicle development cycle by one-half. To ensure continued leadership in this multi-billion dollar industry, the U.S. will benefit by reducing the cost, complexity, and time to fabricate high fidelity wind tunnel with the use of the Sanders Aerospace ModelMaker system. This dual use technology will also find use in high temperature remote sensing for aerospace, industrial and chemical processing applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Al Hastbacka 
Sanders Design International 
Elm Street, PO Box 550 
Wilton , NH   03086 - 0550

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Sanders Design International 
Elm Street, PO Box 550 
Wilton , NH   03086 - 0550

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.02-9777A (Chron: 991446 )

PROJECT TITLE

A CFD Tool for Resolving Turbulence-Chemistry Interaction in High Speed Flows

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This innovation applies to CFD simulations of turbulent combusting high speed flows, such as those encountered in hypersonic airbreathing propulsion systems. The resulting product will deliver the Monte-Carlo/PDF technology developed by Professor Pope, and identified by several commercial and government contracting concerns as required to resolve the effects of turbulence on chemical reaction in high speed and industrial flows. The products of this work will be a robust, stand-alone, fully consistent JPDF code that will be unique in terms of technology and answering a documented NASA and industry need, AND a library of Monte-Carlo/PDF utilities to upgrade existing CFD codes to Monte-Carlo/PDF capabilities. The work has significant Phase II and III commitments, and market demand. The work will enable NASA to achieve a quantum leap in SCRAMJET simulations, supporting access to space.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The project results have application in the aerospace (improved design of SCRAMJETs, improved prediction of flows in combustors) automotive (improved internal combustion engine design, reduced emissions) and chemical process industries (a host of chemical manufacturing processes.) Based on feedback from customers, CFD market leader, Fluent Inc., has made a commitment to integrate the developed technology into their products.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Gahl Berkooz

Beam Technologies Inc.

687 Highland Ave

Needham , MA 02494 - 2232

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Beam Technologies Inc.

687 Highland Ave

Needham , MA 02494 - 2232

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.03-1669 (Chron: 991624 )

PROJECT TITLE

Development of a Finite Element Viscous Aeroservoelastic Analysis Capability

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal is concerned with the development of a coupled aero-structural-controls analysis capability involving vissous unsteady flow. The flow solver will be based on the finite element method enabling effective coupling with its structural counterpart. In Phase I, an existing, viscous FE CFD code will be used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the novel coupling precedure. Numerical results of existing solutions will be compared in detail. In Phase II an improved version of a Navier-Stokes solver will be developed which will be used for subsequent generation of a viscous aeroelastic analyses capability. Further extension of the capability will be achieved in yielding an aeroservoelastic analysismodule.

The company has extensive experience in the commercialization of large scale multidisciplinary software. It has invested substaintial resources to that effect in the past, involving advertizing and intensive marketing. Further the company plane to enter into an alliance with a NASA commercialization center for distribution of the code.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The Phase I and II efforts are expected to yield an unique analysis and design tool which could be conveniently used to solve a wide spectra of practical challenging problems encountered in aeronautical/aerospace, mechanical, marine and civil engineering, among others. We have comprehensive plans to commercialize the code in the shape of leasing and also extensive consultations.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. S. S. Saghera

Engineering Computations

18814 Rochelle Ave.

Cerritos , CA 90703 - 6013

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Engineering Computations

18814 Rochelle Ave.

Cerritos , CA 90703 - 6013

PROJECT TITLE: Unified FEM for Aeroelasticity Analysis of Aerospace Vehicles

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Aerospace vehicles are susceptible to aeroelasticity problems such as flutter, buffet, buzz and others. These instabilities are due to strong coupling between aerodynamic loads and a structures response. An implicit coupling procedure between CFD and structures solvers is needed to resolve numerical stiffness and an efficient grid remeshing method is required which would preserve grid smoothness and desired clustering. We propose a novel "brick analogy" for unstructured grid remeshing for the computation of aeroelasticity. Unlike in the "spring analogy", which has been previously widely used, in the proposed "brick analogy" the Navier equation is applied both to structures deformation and to unstructured deforming portion of the CFD mesh which aer all solved by FEM. To preserve the grid smoothness and orthogonality, the nonlinear, large deformation with small strain rate theory is proposed. The proposed geometrically nonlinear "brick analogy" can sustain shear deformation due to the fact that the equilibrium is set up for a solid element instead of truss. By selecting proper structures properties e.g. Young's modulus and mass for the "brick" the structure dynamics and mesh dynamics (for the fluid) can be solved simultaneously by a FEM code. This technology provides an implicit coupling procedure for aeroelasticity.

In Phase I, the proposed brick analogy methodology will be assessed for the unstructured deforming remeshing of 2D oscillating wings, cascades, and 3D wings. In Phase II, the technique will be extended to couple a general-purpose fluid code with unstructured grid capability and a FEM structure dynamics code to analyze aerospace vehicle dynamics.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Successful development of the proposed algorithms will enable the fluid and structures codes to solve multi-disciplinary problems. The developed methods will provide the capability to accurately predict aeroelastic stability in aeronautical systems, heat exchanger vibration, strumming of cables and offshore pipelines, galloping of towers and masts, and fatigue of panels. It will be useful to design superior blades and wings for new generationrotorcraft and aircraft for increased performance, reduced vibration, alleviated noise, and greater maneuverability.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

H.Q. Yang 
CFD Research Corporation 
215 Wynn Dr.
 Huntsville , AL   35805 - 1926

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

CFD Research Corporation 
215 Wynn Dr. 
Huntsville , AL   35805 - 1926

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.03-5040 (Chron: 992163 )

PROJECT TITLE

Real-Time, In-Flight Determination of Unsteady Aerodynamic Loads & Moments

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A revolutionary approach is proposed to obtain in real time, aerodynamic loads and moments in terms of the instantaneous locations of principal aerodynamic flow phenomena such as the stagnation, flow separation, reattachment, boundary-layer transition, etc. The stability, control, safety, ride quality, and performance of flight vehicles depends upon the instantaneous values of aerodynamic loads and moments, as well as on their derivatives. In recent years successful attempts have been made to introduce flow separation or vortex breakdown point as an inner variable in the state-space representation to mathematically model unsteady aerodynamic loads and moments. Tao Systems has developed techniques to obtain these aerodynamic flow phenomena in real time using hot-film sensors, constant voltage anemometer system, and associated flow diagnostics software. However, there are no techniques currently available to directly obtain aerodynamic loads and moments in terms of these inner variables. The proposed innovation will provide direct input in terms of aerodynamic flow features for the determination of loads and moments, as well as the dynamic stability and control derivatives for flight vehicles under real time flight conditions.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed innovation will result in huge cost savings in terms of reduced amounts of wind tunnel testing and increased productivity to establish aerodynamic characteristics of aerospace configurations. The product will be useful for the development of compact and efficient active control systems for improved ride quality, safety, stability, and control of transport and military flight vehicles.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Siva M. Mangalam

Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.

471 McLaws Circle

Williamsburg , VA 23185 - 6317

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Tao of Systems Integration, Inc.

471 McLaws Circle, Suite 1

Williamsburg , VA 23185 - 6317

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.03-9077 (Chron: 992264 )

PROJECT TITLE

Flight Testing of a New Design Concept for Axisymmetric Inlets

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal identifies a flight test program on the F-15B at NASA Dryden to obtain off-design performance of high-speed inlets that incorporate a unique variable geometry system. The proposed effort accomplishes two objectives; validation of engine face distortion prediction by complex CFD codes and validation of a unique new approach to variable geometry for high-speed inlets. For supersonic cruise, this variable geometry concept allows the consideration of very high performance axisymmetric inlet designs that normally have required complex, heavy variable geometry concepts to effect the necessary throat area variation. The proposed concept also provides increased design options for hypersonic inlets. Aerodynamic design, model fabrication and flight testing of two inlets, one with the unique variable geometry and a baseline configuration, will be completed. This proposal responds to the SBIR subtopic by proposing a study in which prediction of inlet distortion by using complex CFD codes can be validated by comparison with data from a flight program. It is expected that this effort will also verify acceptable lower speed performance for an inlet designed to utilize the concept of this proposal. This advance in inlet technology will enable development of efficient and safe propulsion systems for supersonic or hypersonic vehicles.

_________________________________________________________________________

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The commercial benefit of a validated code for distortion prediction is the enhanced confidence that is provided to the designer of inlet systems. The commercial application of the proposed new inlet design is based on the expectation of acheiving acceptable inlet perormance at the lower speed flight Mach numbers. If acceptable performance is obtained, this concept will allow axisymmetric inlets with very high performance, high operability margins, reduced weight, and sufficient transonic airflow cabability to be considered for both HSCT and hypersonic applications. The design options offered by the proposed new inlet concept will enable the development of propulsion systems for high-speed aircraft that offer increased range, payload/profit, and safety.

Commercial applications include aircraft used for transportation of people and packages throughout the world and access-to-space vehicles

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Lois J. Weir

TechLand Research, Inc.

28895 Lorain Road, Suite 201

North Olmsted , OH 44070 - 4042

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

TechLand Research, Inc.

28895 Lorain Road, Suite 201

North Olmsted , OH 44070 - 4042

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.04-4943 (Chron: 992025 )

PROJECT TITLE

Biomimetics Based Design of Damage Tolerant Airframe Panels

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The specific innovation proposed is to design an advanced composite airframe panel for damage tolerance by incorporating biologic solutions to a similar problem found in nature, using a biomimetic approach. We will identify principal material (fiber) directions and density profiles about naturally occurring holes in bones through a microscopic and radiographic techniques. These holes are known to be damage tolerant, as they clinically do not represent a fracture or fatigue failure initiation site. In addition to its novel microstructure, bone is also a 2 "fiber" composite material, consisting of stiff bone mineral crystals embedded in a scaffold of compliant collagen fibers.

We will demonstrate the expected low stress concentrations about the hole through mechanical testing and moiré interferometry. We will then incorporate these principal material directions and density and use a 2 fiber system in a computational model of a representative airframe panel. This model will be used to demonstrate the advantages of biomimetic design. We believe biomimetic design principles can be used to reduce aircraft weight, as bones are weight optimized due to the energy expenditure required to carry such a relatively heavy tissue. Furthermore, by increasing damage tolerance, life cycle costs of airframes can be reduced significantly.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

We expect a varied set of commercial applications for the design software we hope to prove feasible in this Phase I effort and develop in a Phase II effort. The natural consumers for such software are private contractors and government agencies involved in regulating, deploying, and servicing composite airframes. These users will be able to use the developed software in the primary design of structures and in the design of composite repairs as well.

We envision another group of consumers to be bioengineers and clinicians involved in constructing tissue engineered repairs for treating fractures and surgically created holes in bones.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Shao-Chun (Tony) Liu

AeroChem Corporation

PO Box 90087

Gainesville , FL 32607 - 0087

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Aerochem Corporation

PO Box 90087

Gainesville , FL 32607 - 0087

PROJECT TITLE: Optimum Design of Composite Sandwich Structures for Damage Containment

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Sandwich structures have shown improved structural efficiency as compared to monolithic structures. However, one area of concern in sandwich construction is the durability and damage tolerance of these structures. This concern is more severe in sandwich structures with composite face sheets as in-service foreign object impact can cause core damage and affect the load transfer between the face sheets. Damage due to sharp foreign objects such as engine blades, forklifts, etc. can penetrate through one or both the face sheets and result in the core damage.

The proposed research program will develop and verify analytical tools for the optimum design of composite sandwich structures for damage containment. A mathematical method of analysis will be developed rather than a finite element technique. The analytical tool will evaluate if a damage arrestment mechanism is necessary in a sandwich structure. If arrestment mechanism is necessary, the analytical tools will suggest if it is needed in one or both the face sheets. In addition, the analytical tools will recommend the optimum size and spacing of the arrestment mechanism. The software program developed for mathematical analysis will be operational on a personal computer or a workstation.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed program will develop and demonstrate the design and analysis techniques that can be used for optimizing sandwich structures. The analytical techniques developed in the proposed program will provide efficient tools that can be used by the aerospace design personnel to design structurally efficient sandwich structures. This will significantly reduce the design time of aerospace structures.

Sandwich structures technology has high potential applications to commercial aircraft. The software will assist in making decisions whether conventional skin/stinger type of construction or sandwich construction is more economical. R-Tec plans to market the software to commercial and military aircraft manufacturers. R-Tec plans to provide support services for the software to the users, maintain the software, and continuously add new capabilities.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Mohan M. Ratwani

R-Tec

4 Latigo Lane

Rolling Hills Estate , CA   90274 - 1520

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

R-Tec

4 Latigo Lane

Rolling Hills Estates , CA   90274 - 1520

PROJECT TITLE: Network-Based Out-of-Core Visualization of Scientific Data Sets

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Interactive visualization of large, computational flow grids is important to many disciplines in science and engineering. To address the problem of "big data", in which the size of modern data sets often exceeds the capacity of mainstream computing platforms, development of a new demand-paging system for efficient out-of-core visualization is proposed. The new approach applies innovations in spatial prediction and data partitioning to enable desktop applications to selectively read the contents of large data sets from servers connected by local area or wide area network. This will significantly reduce the platform resources required for interactive visualization, thereby relieving a major limitation to collaboration over geographically distributed design environments. Phase I will investigate technical feasibility by implementing a proof-of-concept system using a particle tracer developed with the Visualization Toolkit (VTK). Benchmark tests will be run using data sets provided by the Numerical Aerospace Simulation (NAS) facility. In Phase II, a large-scale prototype will be developed, integrated with commercial software such as FieldView, and tested with an advanced Internet connection. The resulting capability will significantly increase the number of individuals and organizations that can visualize massive data sets produced by facilities such as NAS.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed innovation can realize immediate commercial potential as a collaborative option/enhancement to FieldView, an existing commercial software product with an established market. By greatly reducing the cost of desktop visualization, this technology will amplify the utility and benefits of large data sets for the aerospace community and other big data fields such as geophysics and meteorology. The technology can also bring the benefits of large-scale fluid simulation to the much broader manufacturing community, for use in the development of commodity products such as refrigerators, ink jet printers, golf clubs, etc. The commercialization strategy includes collaborative alliances with both Kitware and Intelligent Light, developers of the vtk and FieldView products respectively, in order to maximize the potential for commercial success.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

John Tourtellott
 RayTech Systems 
5 Herbert Drive 
Latham , NY   12110 - 3819

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

RayTech Systems 
5 Herbert Drive 
Latham , NY   12110 - 3819

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.05-8092 (Chron: 992600 )

PROJECT TITLE

DYNAMIC CONTROL OF CFD CODES

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An innovative effort to incorporate the dynamic assessment of risk in the knowledge-base closed-loop control of flow calculations is proposed. Example control decisions involve changing flow solving parameters or restarting from previous checkpoints to reduce the need for manual monitoring and intervention. One significance of the proposed innovation is a formal, rigorous, yet practical KB means to dynamically control the execution of CFD codes by interpreting solution metrics within the context of larger project-related factors. Such factors include but are not limited to the desired solution fidelity, resource limitations such as budget and time, and related previously completed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses. We also propose innovative work to begin the design and development of tools to help characterize and predict the benefits of employing particular knowledge-based (KB) technologies that are intended to improve the CFD process. Currently, the CFD community lacks the means to gather and analyze the information needed to decide if and how to use any CFD-KB technology. A significance of this second innovation is to provide CFD users a means to assess the potential benefits of employing different KB technologies, such as the proposed KB control of flow calculations.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The need for tools to help reduce CFD analysis cycle times, improve the quality of results, and to predict the benefits of using assistive KB technologies is sorely needed. Currently, CFD engineers spend a significant amount of time "babysitting" simulations. They also, at times, must also consult others having detailed knowledge about the use of codes. KB technologies and systems have matured sufficiently to be capable of employing complex domain knowledge to dynamically monitor and adjust simulation activities. Having this capability helps reduce the need to manually watch flow simulations. It also helps facilitate the rapid transfer of emerging CFD technologies to the commercial sector by reducing the need to consult experts. Automating some of the knowledge and strategies for deciding how codes should run and adjusted helps to increase the likelihood of reaching an acceptable result sooner rather than later.

These aspects combined with tools to help the CFD community assess the benefits of using KB technologies suggests that there is a strong potential for extending the results of a successful Phase I effort into commercially viable applications. This view is based on expressed interest by knowledgeable and experienced practitioners in the CFD community.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Leonard P. Wesley

Intellex

5932 Killarney Circle

San Jose , CA 95138 - 2348

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Intellex

5932 Killarney Circle

San Jose , CA 95138 - 2348

PROJECT TITLE: An Automated Documentation and Reporting Tool for Aerospace Design Data

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An automated documentation and reporting system for computational data is proposed. This system will automatically collect and store calculation data, such as input values, grid parameters, and solution quality measures, and will store this information as text, numerical data, and graphics in a structured database. The data will be tagged with further information that defines the calculation context. The reporting mechanism will allow users to request relevant information, and it includes a method for integrating data from a variety of sources so they can be viewed in a multidimensional design space. The goal of this work is to demonstrate the concept by developing a preliminary version of the system. The technology for developing each component and the integration of these components will be addressed. The result will be a system that provides an automated means of determining and archiving both calculation input information and solution assessment information; thus it can greatly reduce the labor required for manual documentation. It also provides a means of retrieving and presenting relevant information in a report format so that it can be easily interpreted by the user. This system will benefit NASA or any organization that performs numerous engineering calculations.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The increased documentation of engineering knowledge and efficiency in managing this knowledge will benefit design and analysis groups in aerospace, hydrodynamic, automotive, and energy industries. The ability to archive and reference a vast database will decrease the risk and cost of the design process, thus improving the competitiveness of these industries.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Laura C. Rodman 
Nielsen Engineering and Research, Inc. 
526 Clyde Ave. 
Mountain View , CA   94043 - 2212

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Nielsen Engineering and Research, Inc. 
526 Clyde Avenue 
Mountain View , CA   94043 - 2212

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 05.06-5000 (Chron: 991816 )

PROJECT TITLE

Solid Hydrogen In Liquid Helium for HEDM Applications

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

ORBITEC proposes an innovative LHe/H2/HEDM slurry rocket fuel. In addition, ORBITEC proposes the development of an innovative bi-propellant cryogenic engine capable of utilizing such a fuel. Advanced High-Energy Density Matter (HEDM) cryogenic fuels show great promise for increasing Isp and moving space propulsion into the 21st century. Development of such fuels could enable SSTO concepts and low cost expendable launch vehicles. In Phase I, ORBITEC proposes to develop and test a hydrogen particle production system in liquid helium. In addition, a preliminary design will be produced for a specialized particle-slurry burning bi-propellant engine. Phase II work will finalize this design and fabricate and fire a bi-propellant GOX/LHe/hydrogen particle slurry concept engine.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Development of particle hydrogen technology will play a vital role in the development of environmentally clean, high energy density propellants of the future. The particle hydrogen technology/LHe slurry propellants proposed here provide an extremely effective vehicle for development of and research into HEDMs in general. This technology can significantly increase the payload to orbit capability of all launch systems, especially in SSTO applications. Particle hydrogen technology also offers extremely high-performing fuels for air-breathing engines, either for launch vehicle applications or for high-speed military aircraft. In general, the proposed project could lead to revolutionary high-performance, low-cost, advanced cryogenic engines of various sizes that could significantly enhance a wide variety of military and civil space missions and enable others.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Eric E. Rice

Orbital Technologies Corporation

1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Orbital Technologies Corporation

1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

PROJECT TITLE: An Optically Heated and Probed Hydrogen Sensor

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An optical fiber based hydrogen sensor technology is proposed. The proposed sensor is based on utilizing the changes in the optical excitation of surface plasmon waves in palladium caused by the interaction of the metal with hydrogen. This technology will have many fold improved sensitivity and response over existing optical hydrogen sensors. Due to complete optical operation in the sensing area, the proposed technology will provide enhanced safety and EMI free measurements. In addition, an array of such sensors can be easily multiplexed into an integrated network to monitor a large area and provide localized accurate measurements. The innovation will find application in HYPER-X, X-33, RLV and other hypervelocity vehicles to detect hydrogen through their entire flight envelope, where the smallest hydrogen leaks in confined spaces can be extremely dangerous. In Phase I, a hydrogen sensor system will be designed and fabricated, and the feasibility of sensing hydrogen with improved accuracy and sensitivity compared to the existing technologies will be demonstrated. In Phase II, the sensor system will be integrated, fine-tuned for performance, and packaged for commercialization. Cost cutting efforts will be seriously pursued to enhance commercial viability.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The broadest anticipated market for the proposed innovation is in the health monitoring of advanced aeropropulsion systems such as the X-33, X-34, RLV, NASP, and other hypervelocity vehicles through their entire flight envelopes where fast and accurate detection of hydrogen leaks is critical. A large market potential is anticipated in health monitoring of hydrogen fueled future power plants and automobiles.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Venki S. Venkat, Ph.D. 

Analytical Services & Materials, Inc. 

107 Research Drive 

Hampton , VA   23666 - 1340

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Analytical Services & Materials, Inc.

107 Research Drive 

Hampton , VA   23666 - 1340

PROJECT TITLE: Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Bypass Application for Single-Stage-to-Orbit Vehicles

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The global political structure has changed dramatically since the breakup of the former Soviet Union. World changes have caused the U.S. to reprioritize its National hypersonic needs. The United States government has looked to the needs of the future, and the hypersonic aeorospace plane is one of the systems included in alternative force structures. One of the hypersonic aerospace plane concepts would involve magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) technology, or the AJAX hypersonic flight vehicle concept, originally proposed by Russian scientist Vladimir Fraishtadt. The objective of this proposal is to study an air-breathing horizontal take-off and landing design concept using an MHD energy bypass injector ramjet engine. MSE and Hypertech Concepts will be using MSE developed Electromagnetic code (MSEID Code) with new Scramjet model and other tools to examine the total system performance. Both cruiser and space launch propulsion configurations will be investigated. The MSE and Hypertech Concepts team will make sure this propulsion and operational concept for the hypersonic aerospace plane is based on operations consistent with existing NASA goals. The overall operational concept will also be examined to determine the overall cost effectiveness.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed research will allow us to identify the optimal strategy towards the rapid development of an integrated, airframe-engine propulsion system for hypersonic flight and access to space. Access to space is a multi-billion dollar industry that is expected to grow even more rapidly than in the recent past. With a compelling requirement for re-usable launch vehicles already established in the commercial space industry, the need for efficient and integrated propulsion systems is acute. The ability to design an efficient launch/cruise Propulsion system, and manufacture it at low cost provides the key to commercial success. The proprietary technology that allows this operation is therefore expected to generate large revenues and provide a key advantage to U.S. business. There is a significant commercial and military market interest in the use of the product that will result from this research. NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and Boeing-Rocketdyne have all expressed interest in this project. MSE has and is continuing to implement strategic partnerships with large aerospace companies: United Technologies Research Center (UTRC & Pratt & Whitney), Boeing Rocketdyne, and Coleman Aerospace. It is through these partnerships that the commercialization of the technologies will be most effectively accomplished. Our strategy is to leverage our strategic relationships to obtain match investment for a Phase II development effort predicated on the results of our Phase I research and the interest generated by potential government andcommercial clients.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Ying-Ming Lee
MSE Technology Applications, Inc.
 200 Technology Way
 P.O. Box 4078 Butte
 MT   59702 - 4078

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

MSE Technology Applications, Inc.
200 Technology Way
P. O. Box 4078 Butte
MT   59702 - 4078

PROJECT TITLE: Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Miniature Sensor for Space Bioreactors

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Giner, Inc. proposes to develop a miniature electrochemical sensor that detects, in a single sensor, dissolved O2 as well as CO2 for use in space bioreactors. The proposed sensor will be insensitive to membrane fouling and hydrodynamic effects, providing accurate measurements without recalibration. The oxygen detection method will use a novel mode of sensing that is insensitive to fluid flow and membrane fouling. By using a CO2 sensing scheme that involves chemisorbing a "reduced-CO2" species on a platinum electrode and then stripping by anodically ramping, we can measure CO2 using the same working electrode or a second working electrode within the same sensor. Signal will be linearly related to pCO2, rather than logarithmically related as in conventional (Severinghaus) CO2 detection, leading to greater accuracy. A periodic, steady-state oxygen measurement will indicate the extent of fouling and a correlation will be developed to correct the CO2 measurement.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

A miniaturized dissolved O2/CO2 sensor that is insensitive to fouling is anticipated to have widespread application in the biotechnology industry. There is a growing recognition that controlling O2 and CO2 levels is essential to optimizing the production of human therapeutics using mammalian cell culture. Bacterial, plant and insect cell cultures can also benefit from close monitoring of dissolved gases. There are no commercial combination O2/CO2 sensors and even the availability of dissolved CO2 probes is very limited. The Giner, Inc. proposed miniature sensor would be less than a third the diameter of current commercial probes and will be less sensitive to fouling and stirring than current products.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Linda A. Tempelman, Ph.D.

Giner, Inc.

14 Spring Street

Waltham , MA   02451 - 4497

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Giner, Inc.

14 Spring Street

Waltham , MA   02451 - 4497

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 07.01-8522 (Chron: 991910 )

PROJECT TITLE

Novel Dry-Powder Coatings for Low-G Inhalation Therapy

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Currently, dry-powder inhalers (DPI) are used to deliver various drugs to the lungs for localized or systemic delivery. Although current inhaled formulations are adequate for pulmonary drug therapy under normal gravity, inhalation therapies on earth and potentially in space are plagued by low deposition characteristics into the peripheral lung spaces (10-20% pulmonary deposition) as well as variability in the absorption and residence time of the drug after inhalation. Because the particle size of pulmonary dry-powder formulations is limited to 1 to 5 microns, Nanosphere proposes to develop nanometer thin, muco-adhesive dry-powder coatings with increased pulmonary deposition and controlled-release characteristics for inhalation therapies in space. By controlling the surface characteristics of commercially available dry-powders, the proposed drug coating technique could be used to enhance the pulmonary deposition and residence time of inhaled drugs in low G as well as normal G environments, thus improving pulmonary drug therapies on earth as well as in space.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Commercial applications for new inhaled formulations potentially include sustained-release drug therapies for asthma (beta-agonists and corticosteroids), tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, and diabetes (insulin).

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

James D. Talton, Ph.D.

Nanosphere, Inc.

PO Box 13964

Gainesville , FL 32604 - 3964

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Nanosphere, Inc.

PO Box 13964

Gainesville , FL 32604 - 3964

PROJECT TITLE: Superresolution optical monitor for PVT crystal growth experiments

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Proposed innovation: Non-invasive, ultra-high resolution instrumentation is needed to monitor crystals grown in microgravity furnaces by Physical Vapor Transport (PVT). We propose an optical Superresolution Crystal Monitor (SCM) capable of reconstructing subwavelength object features that classical imaging systems cannot detect.

Project objectives: The central goal is to show that well-known superresolution methods can be used to monitor samples in microgravity furnaces. These methods are established for use in telescopes, spectrometers, microscopes, and other optical instruments.

Effort proposed: 1) breadboard a Phase I SCM that can be configured in multiple test geometries; 2) implement several prototype SCM systems and test their performance on model PVT crystals; 3) establish and document the best-performing system(s); and 4) verify that critical SCM components can be flight-qualified.

Results anticipated: Phase I determines SCM feasibility by establishing that a flight system can achieve the ultra-high resolution needed to successful monitor PVT crystals during growth. Phase II centers on the design, development, construction, and delivery of a near flight-qualified SCM.

Expected NASA applications: Compound semiconductors grown by PVT processes have critical features as small as several nm. The SCM supports understanding sample health and status for these and other interesting materials grown in microgravity furnaces.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed sensor will be rugged, compact, and suited to deployment in demanding field and industrial environments. As computer chip features and components become extraordinarily minute, the major chip manufacturers will require new, ultra-high resolution instrumentation that exceeds current performance. These trends are well established and are not expected to change. We anticipate that the microcircuit industry will generate an extremely high demand for the SCM. We will work with a partner to produce marketable units. to plant operators in process industries - such as chemical manufacturing and electrical power generation - where any human error results in extremely costly plant down-time.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Robert B. Owen
Owen research inc
PMB# 262 / 2525 Arapahoe Avenue / Bldg. E4
Boulder , CO   80302 - 6720

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Owen research inc.
PMB# 262 / 2525 Arapahoe Ave / Bldg. E4
Boulder , CO   80302 - 6720

PROJECT TITLE: Using Magnetic Levitation to Study Gravity's Effect on Protein Crystal Growth

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This project deals with determining the differences between protein crystals grown in a microgravity environment and those grown in a mangetic levitation environment. It will thereby work to determine if magnetic force levitation has a role in simulating microgravity. If so, magnetic levitation can make it possible to test a Space Station protein crystal growth experiment before it is flown on the Space Station. Once fully developed and demonstrated, this capability will be a vital tool in growing crystals that can yield high resolution data for structural based drug design and for government, industry and university macromolecular researchers.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The commercial application could take the form of a commercial magnet and dynamic crystal growth facility for routine processing of bio-crystalline materials. There is also the potential for developing a commercially Available instrument. Like other large-scale instruments based on magnetism, it could be used in either the private sector or at a National Facility.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Leonard Arnowitz

BioSpace International

101 Lakeforest Blvd, Suite 300

Gaithersburg , MD   20877 - 2629

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

BioSpace International

101 Lakeforest Blvd, Suite 300

Gaithersburg , MD   20877 - 2629

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 07.02-7653 (Chron: 991456 )

PROJECT TITLE

Reliable Quench Crucibles for Materials Processing in Microgravity

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

With the completion of the International Space Station, access to microgravity for materials science experiments will increase significantly. Versatile sample containment fabrication techniques are needed to meet the science requirements of NASA's principle investigators. New quenching requirements have caused current ceramic crucibles to crack. Traditional ampoule/cartridge assemblies lack the ability to provide sufficient quench rates due

to gaps between the cartridge and the ampoule. An innovative quench crucible comprised of an internal ceramic liner in direct contact with a reinforcing metal overlay is the needed solution. With proper selection, the ceramic liner will provide the chemical compatibility for processing the PI's sample, and the reinforcement metal overlay in direct contact with the liner will enable rapid quench rates and prevent cracking. During Phase I, two novel

fabrication methods will be investigated which will allow the fabrication of reliable quench crucibles. The first technique will use preformed ceramic ampoules reinforced with a deposited metal overlay. The second technique will involve the spray forming of both a ceramic liner and metal reinforcement on a removable mandrel.

With the development of these two crucible fabrication methods, essentially any principle investigators' sample containment requirements can be satisfied.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Electronics and microchip manufacturing, high temperature furnace and retort components, rocket motor throat inserts, radiation shields, heat pipes, power generation equipment, nuclear components, turbines, incinerators, beam and sputter targets.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Scott O'Dell

Plasma Processes, Inc.

4914 D Moores Mill Road

Huntsville , AL 35811 - 1558

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Plasma Processes, Inc.

4914 D Moores Mill Road

Huntsville , AL 35811 - 1558

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 07.04-5000 (Chron: 991824 )

PROJECT TITLE

Aerodynamic Fluid Physics Research Facility (AFPRF)

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

ORBITEC proposes to conduct innovative research and development that would culminate in an Aerodynamic Fluid Physics Research Facility (AFPRF) technology demonstration on the International Space Station serving one or more critical experimental needs of the NASA mg Program. The AFPRF would serve as an innovative microgravity apparatus that would virtually eliminate g-jitter and provide a gently controlled acceleration environment. The innovation is based on: the use of a new type of gas-flow generator, an expert system software architecture concept, a non-contact approach for on-orbit position control of spherical liquid samples, and a non-contact fluid motion exciter. Prescribed acceleration levels can be accurately introduced through controlled pulses/oscillations or spin/rotation/vibration of the large and small floating fluid samples. We propose to develop a prototype flight unit to be tested on a reduced-gravity parabolic aircraft in Phase I. In Phase II, we will develop a space-qualifiable AFPRF system that can be used on the International Space Station to satisfy current and future fluid physics flight experiments. The AFPRF would become a powerful research tool with a very low-g, vibrationally isolated, float zone capability combined with a controllable acceleration and disturbance levels that would enhance future fluid physics experiments.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The AFPRF facility would provide the opportunity to conduct fluid physics research experiments in a controlled acceleration, vibrationally-isolated, containerless environment. This environment would be much more conducive to sensitive fluid physics research needs than current approaches. A near-term application of this technology is the study of turbulence in a broad-band spectrum of capillary waves that run around the surface of a containerlessly positioned drop of liquid in microgravity. The use of aerodynamic levitation solves a number of significant complexities present in magnetic, electrostatic, and acoustic approaches. This system would also allow the investigator to control the acceleration levels during the experiment. AFPRF would reduce the need for "quiet time crew scheduling" as research experiments can become independent of crew activities or other vibration generating activities or operations. Many space flight hardware spin-offs of this technology are possible in the microgravity program. Additionally, the gas-flow generator has good potential for development in many terrestrial commercial products including: inertial measurement units, laboratory gas-flow devices, robotic end effectors, EVA-based systems, cooling devices, destructive resonance frequency test devices, microgravity crystal growth systems, ground-based containerless materials processing, resonance frequency educational demonstration devices, biomedical rehab devices, and novel radios.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Robert J. Gustafson

Orbital Technologies Corporation

1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Orbital Technologies Corporation

1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.01-3102 (Chron: 991524 )

PROJECT TITLE

Simultaneous Production of O2 and H2 Using a Novel Ceramic Catalytic Membrane

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal is in response to NASA SBIR Solicitation 99-1 Topic Number 08.01 In-Situ Resources Utilization of Planetary Materials. The stated objective of this topic is to develop novel methods or processes to making maximum use of local, indigenous materials as a source for propellants, life support consumables, radiation protection, and construction. This proposal is specifically directed at the simultaneous production of oxygen and hydrogen from water using a catalytic oxygen-ion/electronic conducting ceramic membrane reactor without applying any external electric potential. The surface of the novel membrane reactor will be coated with a mixture of catalysts for decomposing the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen ions at a temperature of 400o to 900o C.

Driving by the potential gradient, the oxygen-ions conduct through the ceramic membrane and form oxygen molecules by giving up electrons at the other side of the membrane, while the hydrogen ions gain electrons and form hydrogen molecules at the catalyst surface. The high purity oxygen may be used for life support as well as a propellant for transportation systems, while hydrogen may be used as fuels or promoting reverse water gas shift reaction with carbon dioxide to product more water.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The initial targeted market for this novel technology will be aiming at manufacturing of small portable devices for high purity oxygen and/or hydrogen production. As an oxygen supply device, it can be used as breathing oxygen for remote locations (non-centralized system). Also, it can serve as a steady source of high purity hydrogen for fueling analytical instruments (e.g. gas chromatography) in laboratories. This will eliminate the need for transporting and handling of high pressure cylinders in thousands of public and government laboratories across the country.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Partha Ganguli

Hydrocarbon Technologies, Inc.

1501 New York Avenue

Lawrenceville , NJ 08648 - 4635

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Hydrocarbon Technologies, Inc.

1501 New York Avenue

Lawrenceville , NJ 08648 - 4635

PROJECT TITLE: Reverse Water-Gas Shift Catalysis with Copper Exchanged Zeolites

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The objective of the proposed program is to develop a catalytic system for efficient conversion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen to carbon monoxide and steam (reverse water-gas shift). The technical objectives will be achieved by optimizing both the catalyst material and process operating conditions. Alumina and metal oxide supported copper has been shown to be an effective catalyst for the reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reaction, but investigations of copper exchanged zeolite catalysts have not been reported. Given the unique characteristics of aluminosilicates as a catalyst support, the application of copper exchanged zeolites to RWGS catalysis possesses a high probability of demonstrating unprecedented activity and selectivity. Copper exchanged catalysts of zeolite Y and ZSM-5 will be tested for RWGS activity, and variables such as inclusion of alkali promoters, CO2:H2 feed ratio, and temperature will be optimized. The incentive for this project is to provide a simple, cost-effective method for the condensation of potable water from an otherwise uninhabitable Martian atmosphere. Additionally, potential application of the same technology to terrestrial chemical industry provides an excellent opportunity for procurement of Phase III funding.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Highly active and selective catalysts discovered under this contract will be immediately applicable toward terrestrial CO2 remediation efforts and environmentally responsible production of CO. Carbon monoxide is a valuable raw material utilized for the industrial production of many commodity chemicals including methanol, formaldehyde, and acetic acid. The RWGS reaction is very likely to prove an economically competitive route to conventional carbon monoxide formation processes.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Steven T. Harford 
Eltron Research, Inc 
5660 Airport Blvd. #105 
Boulder , CO   80301 - 2340

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Eltron Research, Inc. 
5660 Airport Blvd., #105 
Boulder , CO   80301 - 2340

PROJECT TITLE: Portable High-Resolution Ultrasonic Volumetric Medical Imager

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In Phase I of the SBIR program LEEOAT Company will develop the portable high- resolution ultrasonic volumetric imager with telecommunication capability, for medical diagnostics of the astronauts through the long space missions. We will reduce to practice the innovation and design and calculate theoretically the device. Finally we will estimate the cost/effort for the fabrication and testing of the portable cost-effective medical imager in Phase II of the program.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The development of the portable cost-effective ultrasonic medical imager will open a wide window of commercial and industrial opportunities in medical and non-destructive inspection, respectively. to plant operators in process industries - such as chemical manufacturing and electrical power generation - where any human error results in extremely costly plant down-time.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Eli Wiener-Avnear
LEEOAT Company
2631 Colibri Lane
Carlsbad , CA   92009 - 4304

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

LEEOAT Company
2631 Colibri Lane
Carlsbad , CA   92009 - 4304

PROJECT TITLE: G-Cycle Hyper-Gravity Exerciser

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A new and original "G-Cycle" design combines with an innovative research approach to answer a fundamental question regarding the role of centrifuge induced acceleration in countermeasure technology. The novel device allows ground-based exercise with pure +Gz acceleration, tolerable rotational rates, reduced gradients, and greater comfort. Further, the ability to measure and vary exercise resistance and work rate is provided. For the first time, the effects of hypergravity can be studied as a true independent variable, isolated from increased force.

Exercise in 1g maintains musculoskeletal homeostasis and is superior to exercise in 0g. If exercise in 2g enhances training over exercise in 1g, a dose-response effect of acceleration will be demonstrated. Intermittent 2g exercise would likely be an effective countermeasure to the adverse effects of prolonged spaceflight.

This proposal enumerates the advantages of the "G-Cycle" that distinguish it from the offerors' original Space Cycle invention and other self powered human centrifuges.

This Phase I SBIR proposal encompasses the actual design, construction and physiologic testing of this unique device. Phase II will scientifically determine if muscular training is enhanced in hypergravity compared to Normal gravity using the device. All other variables, including resistance, will be held constant.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

If hypergravity training enhances performance, independent of load, NASA would benefit with strong evidence of a truly effective countermeasure to prolonged spaceflight.

Basic science mechanisms of muscular training and homeostasis would be revealed with this powerful research tool in the hands of the academic community.

A commercial product that has been scientifically demonstrated to more efficiently and effectively train muscle is of enormous potential. Olympic and professional sports teams would rapidly take advantage to this new technology. Health clubs and gyms would feature such a device. A properly designed and manufactured hyper-gravity exercise device could be made for home use with excellent prospects for success.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Arthur Kreitenberg, M.D.
J.B. Wittmer & Co
1983 Willow Road
Arroyo Grande , CA   93420 - 5836

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

J.B. Witmer & Co
1983 Willow Road
Arroyo Grande , CA   93420 - 5836

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.02-7692 (Chron: 991942 )

PROJECT TITLE

Semi-selective Optical Sensor Arrays for Microbiological Monitoring

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Echo Technologies, Inc. proposes a Phase I program to demonstrate a new type of optical biosensor for monitoring the integrity of water reclamation systems being developed for manned spacecraft. The technical approach departs from the conventional "one-sensor, one-analyte" paradigm and will demonstrate the utility of an array of semi-selective optical transducers to detect classes of microorganisms. This approach is particularly useful when the specific nature of the biological contaminant may not be known in advance. The system operates as a continuous, in-line detector to ensure the proper functioning of water reclamation systems; to monitor biocide efficacy; and to provide an early warning of incipient filter breakthrough, catastrophic failure, or inadvertent contamination. Alternatively, the sensors can be configured as biofilm detectors to monitor in remote, hard to access locations. The sensors offer inherent simplicity, and unlike antibody or DNA probes, require no consumable reagents or sample preparation. The optoelectronic design is modular so that new sensing capability can be added easily and cost effectively. Also, the use of miniature, off-the-shelf integrated optical and electronic components ensures low power requirements and system reliability. These features will result in more

effective use of disinfection and will minimize overall manning and expertise requirements.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed sensor array can be used by the Armed Forces to verify the integrity of source waters, and by state and local municipalities to ensure the safety of public water supplies from natural contamination or terrorist act.

Commercial applications include food safety (e.g., meat and dairy processing), semiconductor fabrication (where ultrahigh purity water is a necessity) and in biotechnology processing. The sensors can also be reconfigured for use as biofilm detectors to monitor microbially induced corrosion (MIC) in power plants, industrial processing.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mary Beth Tabacco, Ph.D.

Echo Technologies, Inc.

451 D Street

Boston , MA 02210 - 1977

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Echo Technologies, Inc

5250 Cherokee Avenue

Alexandria , VA 22312 - 2052

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.02-8222 (Chron: 991769 )

PROJECT TITLE

Microgravity Spacecraft Refrigerator

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This NASA SBIR proposal is concerned with the development of a refrigerator for use on spacecraft under microgravity conditions for the storage of biological samples. The proposed refrigerator is novel form of pulse tube refrigerator generating refrigeration at two different temperatures, say 0 degree and -50 degree C. The refrigerator works on an open cycle releasing a flow of cold pressurized working fluid for convective cooling as well as a cold plate at substantially lower temperatures for conductive or convective cooling. The gaseous working fluid is the spacecraft cabin environment gas. No lubricants or other pollutants are used in the refrigerator to contaminate the gas in passing through it.

There are few moving parts in a pulse tube refrigeration unit except the compressor require to produce the pulse necessary to operate the refrigerator. The compressor can be driven by a free piston Stirling engine integrated with the refrigerator using common pistons. The Stirling engine can be energized by a waste heat stream at an elevated temperature, by concentrated solar energy, or by any other heat source (radioisotope or electric resistance heating). Alternatively, the refrigerator motor may be driven by an electric motor.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed refrigerator with gaseous working fluid may be made at low cost and is anticipated to have the same performance and durabilitya s present vapor-compression refrigerators. Numerous commercial applicationof the refrigerator may be anticipated in environmentally sensitive situations involving aircraft, spacecraft,underwater vehicles, marine vehicles, hospital crews and commercial or domestic establishments.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Graham Walker

URI

5930 W. Greenway Rd. Ste. 10-165

Glendale , AZ 85306 - 3030

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

URI

5930 W. Greenway Road, Ste 10-165

Glendale , AZ 85306 - 3030

PROJECT TITLE: A Dynamic Assessment Test for Human Sensorimotor Health

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We will develop an integrated test of postural control, oculomotor control and dynamic visual acuity that can be applied to conditions involving whole-body perturbation that are common in aerospace operations and in the activities of daily living. Our dynamical sensorimotor assessment test (DSAT) is innovative in that (a) it can be applied under controlled laboratory conditions as well as in simulated operational conditions, (b) it is commensurate with common practices and procedures in optometry and neurology, and (c) it allows for differentiation between ophthalmic and neuromuscular causes of impaired dynamic acuity. These unique characteristics of our innovative test are relevant to Topic 08.02, Human Health Monitoring and Countermeasures, because they can enhance "understanding of the effects of microgravity and other components of the space environment on the physiological systems of the body" by allowing for standardizable quantification of visual acuity and coordination of the associated neuromuscular systems through "novel software methods for documentation, storage, retrieval, analysis and diagnosis of crew health." Moreover, by enhancing diagnostic differentiation and generality, our innovative test can support the development of "countermeasures against deleterious changes in body systems in flight or upon return to the ground [including]... post-flight reduction in neuromuscular coordination."

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

- Flightdeck controls & display design and evaluation within NASA HEDS R&D

- Use in Biomedical research to provide valuable information on the functional consequences of such sensory and motor disorders in medical specialties ranging from ophthalmology to neurology.

- Screen aviators for the effects of medications, the effects of environmental stressors (hyper-g, sound), the effect of fatigue, and the efficacy of training countermeasures within both DoD aviation and Commercial aviation.

- Screen elderly or physically challenged drivers during DMV testing; screen commercial drivers for the effects of medications, the effects of environmental stressors(vibration, sound), and the effects of fatigue.

- Supplement testing battery within ophthalmology and optometry to better determine appropriate treatments for those with challenged dynamic visual acuity.

- Bundle with currently existing devices used for diagnosis or rehabilitation in the various medical specialties concerned with oculomotor control or postural control (e.g., neurology, otology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy, and geriatrics).

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

P. Vernon McDonald 
Nascent Technologies Ltd 
15806 Spring Forest Drive 
Houston , TX   77059 - 3809

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Nascent Technologies Ltd 
15806 Spring Forest Drive 
Houston , TX   77059 - 3809

PROJECT TITLE: Electrochemical Removal of Ammonium Ion from Bioreactor Effluent

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Ammonium ion is a byproduct of the oxidation of nitrogen-containing substances occurring in the initial treatmentsteps of water recovery systems. Removal of ammonium ions from the effluent stream from 1000 ppm to less than 0.25 ppm is an imperative need as a part of the space life support infrastructure. Drawbacks associated with processes proposed in the past include the generation of a secondary waste, cost, size, and/or the use of consumables that need to be stored or supplied. The proposed technology is based on an innovative, environmentally friendly electrochemical process for the effective removal of ammonium ions. It does not use consumables but oxygen gas from air, readily available. It will not generate a secondary waste. By controlling operational conditions, the ammonium ions will be transformed to nitrogen gas, which can be removed from the liquid phase in microgravity conditions by the use of a gas separation module. In addition, it is an energy efficient process, operates at room temperature, and is microgravity compatible. The purpose of Phase I is to demonstrate the feasibility of the electrochemical oxidation of the ammonium ions to nitrogen gas and to test its efficiency using a bioreactor effluent simulant.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed method of removal of ammonium ion from the bioreactor process effluent streams has immediate terrestrial benefits as a method for removal of ammonia from aqueous solutions. This new method for removal of ammonium ion from waste process has a high potential for public acceptance in industry facing stringent laws regulating ammonia discharge. High level of ammonia content in the water is toxic to marine fish and ammonia has an odor and adverse effects on human health when inhaled.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Jinseong Kim 
Lynntech, Inc. 
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202 
College Station , TX   77840 - 4024

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Lynntech, Inc. 
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202 
College Station , TX   77840 - 4024

PROJECT TITLE: Sublimation-based water reclamation and purification

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose the use of sublimation for spacecraft water recovery and purification. Some of the important features of sublimation technology are that is does not involve the use of any expendable materials, yields purified products with exceptionally high separation (purification) factors, and is capable of recovering 100% of the water from liquid and solid wastes while reducing the residues to a dry friable solid. We will develop this process and construct a test devise which exhibits simplicity, reliability, low mass, volume and energy consumption, without requiring expendable materials. Our innovation is targeted towards the recovery of waters consumed for metabolic and utility purposes such as drinking, washing, etc. 100% closure of the water cycle is essential for long duration missions is essential because re-supply water for the crew is too costly or impractical. Sublimation-based water system componentry will contribute to the ideal water reclamation and recycle system which will return 100 % of the water for reuse while avoiding the consumption of any expendable materials, be simple in design and function, be very reliable, and involve parsimonious mass, volume and energy needs.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The application of the technology developed under the proposed work is in the area of point-of-use generation of proprietary solvents and recovery, recycle of solvents and water for the ultra high pure chemical industry. The size of this market is M. As such, purified products having impurity levels in the parts per quadrillion range should be achievable and become available for use. The research and development effort proposed in Phase I and continued through Phase II will establish a position for NanoMaterials in supplying technical know-how and process components which extends beyond the limited space-based water systems market, and will profoundly affect our ability to proceed with the commercial process technology.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Nicholas V. Coppa
 NanoMaterials Company 
7 Line Road 
Malvern , PA   19355 - 2829

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

NanoMaterials Company
 7 Line Road 
Malvern , PA   19355 - 2829

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.03-0236 (Chron: 991879 )

PROJECT TITLE

High-Efficiency, Low-Cost Photocatalytic Air Purification System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The ever-growing concern over air quality has led to considerable legislation to control atmospheric concentrations of ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds. However, much work remains before an acceptable measure of indoor air quality is adopted. This is due in part to the lack of universal standards for indoor air quality. These issues and the abundant evidence of so-called sick building syndrome will lead to the need for indoor air quality regulations and the means to attain those standards. The development of innovative and cost-effective control measures for indoor air pollutants has thus become nearly as important as those already developed for atmospheric pollutants. While the control of airborne contamination in the aerospace cabin environment has been established, the need for a low-maintenance, self-cleaning, and regenerative air purification system still remains. In this project, Ultramet will demonstrate the feasibility of a photocatalytic cabin air purification system using a novel reactor based on a titanium dioxide foam having high surface area, high absorptivity, and low pressure drop, which functions as a fixed catalyst bed. The Phase I work will set the stage for further development of the technology in Phase II and beyond for use in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes, offices, and factories, where indoor air quality is receiving much attention because of volatile organic compound pollution emitted from new construction materials, cigarette smoke, and bioaerosols.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The applications for a highly efficient air purification system are numerous. Application of this technology to the indoor air quality arena alone offers a sizable market, including residential, commercial, and hospital applications where sick building syndrome is of increasingly great concern. In addition, with more than 65 metric tons of hazardous solvent waste and 60 metric tons of other chemical wastes generated annually by the chemical process industry, the need for such remediation technology is immense. Semiconductor clean rooms and military installations are also in need of advanced air purification.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

David J. Scott

Ultramet

12173 Montague Street

Pacoima , CA 91331 - ____

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Ultramet

12173 Montague Street

Pacoima , CA 91331 - ____

PROJECT TITLE: An Advanced Air Revitalization System for Manned Space Vehicles

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The Y2 Ultra-Filter Technology proposed for this SBIR will provide NASA with a more efficient and cost effective Air Revitalization System (SBIR subtopic 08.03) for manned space vehicles. This newly tested technology can capture particles down to 0.01 micron with an efficiency of >99.999% and has the potential to remove odor-causing molecules. The Y2 Ultra-Filter Technology will offer the advantages of lower power consumption, reduced maintenance, lower cost, and most importantly, reduced logistic and resupply costs compared to existing Air Revitalization Systems for the International Space Station. Furthermore, by applying special bacteria-killing coatings currently available, the Y2 Ultra-Filter Technology has the potential to capture and kill bacteria. This system not only has the potential to allow astronauts to work in a cleaner, safer environment, but could set the standard for a wide range of future commercial and defense applications. Y2 Ultra-Filter, Inc. has already performed substantial testing and has done extensive research to gain confidence in the Technology. Under this SBIR, we will develop a product design optimized to meet NASA's hardware and filtration requirements for manned space flight. We will also conduct limited testing and analysis to confirm our claims.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The fast-growing market of "air purification" is over $30 billion in the US alone; the worldwide market is many times that amount. As a result of studies and analysis performed to date, the company has identified over eighty (80) product application areas, each of which represents a market segment into which the Technology should be able to penetrate and have a significant impact. The success of this SBIR will allow us to use the test data to verify our claims in very contaminated environments, as the conditions imposed by the NASA requirements will be more extreme than any of the commercial applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Yujiro Yamamoto, Ph.D. 
Y2 Ultra-Filter, Inc. 
1201 Via La Jolla 
San Clemente , CA   92672 - 2344

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Y2 Ultra-Filter, Inc. 
1201 Via La Jolla 
San Clemente , CA   92672 - 2344

PROJECT TITLE: Wet Carbonization of Space Mission Generated Wastes

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This NASA SBIR Phase I project is a feasibility study for treating wastes generated during space missions and producing emissions that are within the Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMAC), using Wet Carbonization and advanced combustion technologies. EnerTech's innovative Wet Carbonization technology will transform heterogeneous metabolic wastes and trash components, through moderate temperature and pressure carbonization, into a uniform and pumpable slurry, which will be combusted in NASA's fluid-bed combustion and gas cleanup system, producing emissions that are within SMAC standards. The CO2 and H2O generated during conversion of the wastes can be used to support plant growth systems and provide for a closed-loop, regenerative life support system. The objective of this Phase I proposal is to determine the characteristics of the product slurry from Wet Carbonization experiments and an acceptable range of combustion conditions that are within SMAC standards. In Phase I, Wet Carbonization and advanced combustion experiments will be conducted with existing bench-scale facilities using inedible biomass and human feces. It is anticipated that Phase I and Phase II research will produce a prototype unit that can be integrated into a functional life support system in Phase III.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The commercial product and technology to be developed under this Phase I and Phase II project are being targeted at the specified needs of NASA, the ultimate customer. The commercial product to be developed will be an integrated Wet Carbonization and combustion unit, with associated automated control systems, capable of treating the waste generated from a four-person space mission and producing emissions that exceed SMAC standards. In addition, the small-scale unit to be developed will form the basis for much larger units that will be necessary for larger spacecraft missions (e.g. S.S. Freedom) or planetary colonization. In addition to NASA applications, the technology to be developed has potential applications for treatment and disposal of both medical and military wastes.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Mr. Michael K. Klosky EnerTech Environmental, Inc. 739 Trabert Ave.,NW Atlanta , GA   30318 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

EnerTech Environmental, Inc. 739 Trabert Ave., NW Atlanta , GA   30318 - 0000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.03-3554 (Chron: 991810 )

PROJECT TITLE

Low-mass, Inflatable Aeroponic System for High Performance Food Production

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Aeroponics International's (AI's) innovation is a self-contained, self-supporting, inflatable aeroponic crop production unit with integral environmental systems for the control and delivery of a nutrient/mist to the roots. This inflatable aeroponic system addresses the needs of subtopic 08.03 Spacecraft Life Support Infrastructure and, in particular, water and nutrient delivery systems technologies for food production. The inflatable nature of our innovation makes it lightweight, allowing it to be deflated so it takes up less volume during transportation and storage. It improves on AI's current aeroponic system design that use rigid structures, which use more expensive materials, manufacture processes, and transportation. As a stationary aeroponic system, these existing high-mass units perform very well, but transporting and storing them can be problematic. On Earth, these problems may hinder the economic feasibility of aeroponics for commercial growers. However, such problems become insurmountable obstacles for using these systems on long-duration space missions because of the high cost of payload volume and mass during launch and transit. We believe that efficient, high performance large-scale food production for space missions and terrestrial use will only be made practical using the combination of low-mass, transportable inflatable structures, and aeroponics uniquely available in the Inflatable Aeroponic System (AIS).

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

There are several terrestrial markets for the IAS technology including the food crop production industry looking for faster crop turn-around as well as pharmaceutical companies that require technology to rapidly regenerate plant material for metabolic extraction of pharmaceutical products. Yet another use for the IAS technology is for food production in remote locations such as research outposts or even humanitarian relief efforts. The transportability of the inflatable system makes it ideally suited for missions where traveling light is key and water resources are limited.

One of the prime benefits of aeroponic plant growth is its improved method for starting a crop. In an enclosed environment where environmental parameters can be optimized the reliance on seeds could be eliminated and replaced with vegetative propagation as a means to start a crop. Vegetative propagation could be used as an extremely efficient methodology, which would minimize labor and time. Utilizing an enclosed aeroponic system as method and apparatus in conjunction with vegetative propagation could reduce the reliance on seeds as well as eliminate the need for extensive tissue culture procedures and hardware. This would be an invaluable tool for space mission and terrestrial crop expansion. Its market value is in millions of dollars.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Richard J. Stoner

EnviroGen, Inc(Aeroponics International)

333 Springhill Lane

Berthoud , CO 80513 - 1556

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

EnviroGen, Inc(Aeroponics International)

333 Springhill Lane

Berthoud , CO 80513 - 1556

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.03-3800A (Chron: 991646 )

PROJECT TITLE

Carbon Dioxide Compressor for Air Revitalization System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The advanced air revitalization system for the International Space Station will include a system to recover oxygen from carbon dioxide removed from cabin air. To maximize the benefit of oxygen generation from carbon dioxide, a compact and efficient vacuum pump, or compressor, is needed to remove carbon dioxide from a molecular sieve and store it in an accumulator. We propose to develop a high-pressure ratio compressor for this task using Creare's diaphragm technology. The innovation is a multi-stage diaphragm compressor that meets NASA's requirements for CO2 pumping and is compact, efficient, and highly reliable. In Phase I we prove the feasibility of the CO2 compressor by (1) demonstrating in the laboratory that a diaphragm compressor can perform as a high-pressure ratio vacuum pump, and (2) developing a conceptual design for a compressor that is sized for service in the advanced air revitalization system. In Phase II we will develop, test, and deliver a complete prototype compressor.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed compressor is compact, efficient, and highly reliable. There are numerous applications for the compressor beyond the International Space Station. Commercial applications for the compressor include heat pumps and low-cost, closed-cycle Joule-Thomson cryocoolers for communications and medical applications. The basic technology can also be used for portable and aerospace power systems. Other government applications include cryocoolers for IR sensors, HTS electronics, and spacecraft cryocoolers.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Michael G. Izenson

Creare Incorporated

PO Box 71, Etna Road

Hanover , NH 03755 - 0071

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Creare Incorporated

P.O. Box 71, Etna Road

Hanover , NH 03755 - 0071

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.03-5000A (Chron: 991809 )

PROJECT TITLE

Regenerable Seed Plugs from Formed Plant Fiber

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The objective of this proposal is to develop and evaluate regenerable plant supports from inedible plant fiber for use in Advanced Life Support (ALS) System plant growing units. Plant supports of interest include seed plugs, seeding mats, root/shoot barriers, and plant "fences". The innovation is to develop totally regenerable plant structures that retain sufficient structural integrity for plant support over one crop cycle, that can be fabricated on-site, are non-toxic to plants, and which do not require separation from the inedible plant waste stream. By forming expendable components from inedible plant material already in the ALS system, resupply mass can be significantly reduced (an annual supply of non-regenerable seed plugs is about 124 to 3000 kg depending on the type). Harvesting procedures would be simplified since support structures would be processed directly as part of the inedible waste stream. The use of regenerable seed plugs would also reduce crew time, and simplify the mechanization of seeding and harvesting processes. Proposal tasks involve processing plant fibers, fabrication of prototypes, and mechanical and biocompatibility testing of the prototype regenerable seed plugs. The anticipated result of this project is a process and associated technology to produce regenerable plant supports meeting ALS operational requirements.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

NASA Related Applications-The near term application of this technology is in ALS testbed plant growing systems. One testbed, the BioPlex facility at JSC, will have 90m2 of crop growing area with the potential to produce several crop cycles per year at high planting densities. Incorporation of an in-situ regenerable plant support production capability would increase testbed fidelity in addition to providing cost savings over the use of non-regenerable materials, reducing labor required for harvesting and waste processing operations, and simplifying integration with mechanized harvesting. The ultimate end use of this technology would be as a component of a space based ALS. Commercial Markets-Seed support structures from agricultural fibers may be competitive with plant support structures currently fabricated from non-renewable materials (e.g. peat-moss, rockwool, or plastic). This has occurred to some degree in the area of landscape fabrics, with agri-fiber materials replacing some non-renewable materials previously used. The primary market would be in the greenhouse and nursery industry, a 36 billion dollar retail market. Potential products include plant stakes and supports and horticultural growing containers like seedling trays, root trainers, propagation trays, plug flats, starter pots and 'root cubes'.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Robert C. Morrow

Orbital Technologies Corporation

1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Orbital Technologies Corporation

1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

PROJECT TITLE: Clean Water: Electron Beam Water Treatment

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An electron beam (E-BEAM) water treatment system is proposed that can reduce the level of organic contamination in water to very low values, remove ammonium ions, and cold-sterilize by electron irradiation. The innovative aspect of the E-BEAM system is that it uses electrons in the relatively modest 100-200 KeV range. It irradiates water through a thin (10µm) but mechanically strong boron nitride (BN) window, allowing over 90oy organic contaminants with great efficiency and eliminate microorganisms. When the radiation chemistry goes to completion, even the most resistant aromatic organic contaminants are mineralized to carbon dioxide and water. The 100-200 KeV E-BEAM system has key advantages over catalyst-based, high temperature, high pressure water purification technologies. It offers a continuous stream of highl

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The 100-200 KeV E-BEAM system will be applicable to situations where there is an intermittent but essential need for safe, high quality, cold-sterilized drinking water. As a compact, mobile unit combining easy and safe operation with portability and energy efficiency, it is expected to have competitive advantages where a need exists for a self-contained water purification system. The 100 KeV E-BEAM water treatment system can play an important role as the end station in desert countries removing organic contaminants that are only incompletely eliminated by other water purification techniques such as distillation or reverse osmosis. An additional niche market exists in settlements on permafrost where underground sewer systems cannot be built.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Freidemann Freund
Phytron Instruments, Inc.
986 Leonello Ave.
Los Altos, , CA 94022 - 4911

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Phytron Instruments, Inc.
P.O. Box 131
Moffett Field , CA 94035 - 0131

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.03-6708B (Chron: 992685 )

PROJECT TITLE

Structured Photocatalyst for the Control of Cabin Air Quality

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Air pollution by trace contaminant gases, microorganisms in the cabin of spacecraft can be a problem in space exploration. Conventional methods suffer from the disadvantages of secondary pollution, high energy consumption and limited effectiveness toward only certain pollutants. An innovative structured photocatalyst is proposed for the photocatalytic destruction of the microorganisms, VOC?s and TAP?s. The process is anticipated to be highly efficient because charge recombination is eliminated in the photocatalyst. The structured photocatalyst will be designed, synthesized and evaluated in a bench top photocatalytic reactor to establish proof of the concept.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

In addition to cabin air quality control, the proposed innovation can be applicable to indoor air quality control, effluent treatment from painting and coating operations, air stripping in water/soil remediation, solvent related operations in semiconductor, electronic, fine machinery and chemical industries, effluent treatment from incineration and combustion processes, water purification, water splitting, CO2 reduction and etc.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Jim Dong

NanoTek, Inc.

8250 E. Golf Links Rd. #97

Tucson , AZ 85730 - 1246

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

NanoTek, Inc.

8250 E. Golf Links Rd., #97

Tucson , AZ 85730 - 1246

PROJECT TITLE: Advanced Immobilized Enzyme Bioreactors for Space Station

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The development of advanced immobilized enzyme bioreactors for the ambient temperature destruction of dissolved organics in reclaimed water is proposed. More than a decade ago, work began which resulted in the development of two unique composite beds which catalyzed the conversion of low molecular weight alcohols and urea to ionic constituents, and then retained the reaction byproducts on ion-exchanges resins. This original work barely scratched the surface with respect to an evaluation of potentially beneficial enzyme systems. A vast array of biocatalysts are yet to be investigated. Among these are a class of highly nonspecific oxidase enzymes which have been shown in preliminary work conducted in our laboratory to exhibit good activity toward the oxidation of ethylene and propylene glycols, two important components of humidity condensate. We propose to build upon this fundamental concept sufficiently to produce a comprehensive system for the treatment of BWP, RO or MF effluents to yield potable water meeting NASA drinking water TOC specifications. Fundamental advantages of the enzyme based bioreactors are simplicity, minimal power consumption, compatibility with current multifiltration systems, and ambient temperature operation.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

It is anticipated that specific enzyme systems will be identified which can be directly applied to ground-based environmental remediation applications. However, the most promising commercial aspect of the proposed projectis in the production and sale of enzymes which are not currently available commercially. The primary customers will be the biomedical and research communities. Enzymes are small-quantity-high-value products. It is anticipated that as a result of the Phase II effort,UMPQUA will have sufficient capacity to meet initial demand. The most probable means of bringing the new enzymes to market will be through a sales agreement with a major biochemical supplier such as Sigma-Aldrich.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

James E. Atwater 
Umpqua Research Company 
PO Box 609 
Myrtle Creek , OR   97457 - 0102

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Umpqua Research Company 
PO Box 609 
Myrtle Creek , OR   97457 - 0102

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.03-8048 (Chron: 992040 )

PROJECT TITLE

High Pressure Sodium Lamp with a sapphire arc-tube and water jacket

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Major objective is to develop a high pressure sodium (HPS) lamp using a clear sapphire arc-tube. Use of sapphire arc-tube will allow higher "wall loading" which, in turn, will result in a significant improvement in the light output as measured by lumens per watt or PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) per watt of power. Use of clear sapphire arc-tubes (as compared to translucent polycrystalline alumina currently used as arc-tube material for the HPS lamps) will not only allow higher "watt loading" in the design of the arc-tubes but will also allow more light output due to direct transmission from the clear sapphire tubes. It is expected that up to 20% increase in the light output may be possible using an optimized sapphire arc-tube.

Second objective is to develop an optimized water-jacketed HPS lamp using the sapphire arc-tubes. Techniques will be developed to optimize the arc-tube so that the it works best within a lamp which has an outer water jacket to remove infrared radiation.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Sapphire arc-tube HPS lamps will have very wide potential as a direct replacement of the currently marketed HPS lamps. With up to 20% increase in the light out put it will save a great deal of energy in the general lighting applications where ever the HPS lamps are used.

Water-jacketed sapphire arc-tube HPS lamps will be very useful for applications needing "cool" high intensity light source. One such application is in the research plant growth chambers. Almost every plant growth facility in the world uses growth chambers. Optimized sapphire arc-tube HPS lamps with outer water jacket will allow the chambers to 1) use less energy (A/C) to remove heat, 2) require less refrigeration capacity to control temperature and 3) use higher radiation levels. The commercial greenhouse industry germinates billions of seedlings every year.

Additional applications of sapphire arc-tube water jackets include public buildings like gymnasiums, auditoriums, ice rinks etc. The reduced long wave radiation from these lamps will allow people to be more comfortable and at the same time reduce the requirements for air conditioning.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Ranbir S. Bhalla

Lumenarc, Inc.

37 Fairfield Place

West Caldwell , NJ 07006 - 6206

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Lumenarc, Inc.

37 Fairfield Place

West Caldwell , NJ 07006 - 6206

PROJECT TITLE: Spectroscopic Humidity Sensor For The Space Station

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose to build a portable high speed, accurate, spectroscopically-based water vapor (relative humidity) monitor for use on the Space Station. This instrument would be light-weight, consume minimal power and be user-friendly. It would be capable of measuring water vapor with a signal to-noise of ~300 ppm (± 0.5 K dew point or ± 1 ability to make fast and accurate measurements. This technology offers great advantages in size, weight, accuracy and precision compared to existing technologies such as chilled mirror and capacitance- based hygrometers.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Possible applications include situations at high temperatures and in 'dirty' environments which include the presence of soot, aerosols, liquid droplets and corrosive gases. The other major application is that of environmental Control such as grain silos, museums and other locations where accurate control of relative humidity is important and low cost is not a particular issue.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Andrew Freedman

Aerodyne Research, Inc.

45 Manning Road

Billerica , MA   01821 - 3976

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Aerodyne Research, Inc.

45 Manning Road

Billerica , MA   01821 - 3976

PROJECT TITLE: A Multifunctional Sanitation Method for Food Processing

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Long duration space missions either to the moon or to Mars will require food provided from plants grown in life support bioregenerative chambers. These systems will integrate food production with atmosphere regeneration and water recycling, increasing self-sufficiency and decreasing the need for expensive resupply from earth.

Since maintaining crew health is of utmost importance, food must be produced and processed under highly sanitary conditions to minimize the risk of food borne diseases. New sanitation methods and procedures are urgently needed to meet this challenge. This proposal concerns the use of a new, totally enclosed vapor phase sterilization system. The device is unique because it operates without using consumable chemicals carried on board or resupplied from earth. The disinfectant that is generated acts against a broad range of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and it is generally safe to apply directly to foods. The disinfectant can also be externally applied to utensils, food preparation surfaces and processing equipment and there are no harmful wastes produced that could impact an integrated bioregenerative system. The proposal includes preliminary test results demonstrating the device's operating characteristics. The aim of Phase I is to demostrate the method's feasibility as a food sanitizing agent. The long-term goal is to provide sanitation hardware to NASA for use in food processing.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Food borne illness is one of the most serious public health problems facing the United States. Food poising accounts for thousands of deaths each year and the estimated cost to the Nation is between billion and billion annually. The food sanitation equipment described in this proposal could be used in industrial and commercial food establishments to minimize the risks associated with contaminated food.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

G. Duncan Hitchens 
Lynntech, Inc. 
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202 
College Station , TX   77840 - 4024

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Lynntech, Inc. 
7610 Eastmark Drive, Suite 202 
College Station , TX   77840 - 4024

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.04-1856 (Chron: 992181 )

PROJECT TITLE

CERL: The Complex Event Recognition System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The Complex Event Recognition Architecture (CERA) provides five major innovations: (1) The Complex Event Description Language (CEDL): a declarative language for describing complex events: that is, events that can occur across time, be sensed from multiple channels, and be composed of the conjunction, disjunction or negation of other complex or simple events; (2) The Complex Event Recognition Language (CERL): a declarative pattern language for recognizing the occurrence of complex events; (3) The Complex Event Recognition Algorithm: an algorithm for recognizing instances of complex events using the Complex Event Recognition Language; (4) CERA software modules for integrating complex event recognition into existing software systems; and (5) CERA software for the display, tracking and management of complex event occurrences.

Significance: CERA allows systems built for robust planning, task execution, operations, and fault recovery to have a rich, unified model of complex events which goes beyond simple telemetric data or propositional forms. People managing complex systems, automated diagnostic reasoners and task planning and execution software can use the CERA software to accurately and richly monitor critical events.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The Complex Event Recognition Architecture will provide a flexible, generally applicable software system for describing complex events and recognizing event occurrences. It can be applied to any area of auto-mated control, including life support systems, terrestrial and extraterrestrial planetary exploration, and home and factory control. Other commericial applications will arise wherever complex events occur, including financial markets, automated workflow, and activity on the World Wide Web.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Will Fitzgerald

Neodesic Corporation

1840 Oak Avenue Suite 208N

Evanston , IL 60201 - 3696

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Neodesic Corporation

1840 Oak Avenue Suite 208N

Evanston , IL 60201 - 3696

PROJECT TITLE: AUTO-FUR (Automatic User's Training Operations Facility Utilization Request)

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

APTEK proposes an innovative system for on-line, real-time processing of Facility Utilization Requests (FURs). Our approach uses object-oriented Internet technology and learning algorithms to enable astronauts, instructors, and mission training personnel to efficiently and accurately setup classes for mission critical training. The proposed AUTO-FUR (Automatic User's Training Operations Facility Utilization Request) is innovative in that, for the firsttime, on-line FUR processing will be seamlessly integrated with the training hardware inventory database (THMS) using state-of-the-art Internet technology. In addition, learning algorithms will be used to gather and apply facilityutilization knowledge. The proposed AUTO-FUR, accessible from any web-browser, will increase the efficiency and reduce the costs of training operations by providing the following specific benefits to NASA:

1. Accurate, real-time representation of available training hardware;

2. Immediate feedback to training instructors regarding available resources and possible alternatives;

3. Reduced setup up time for training classes;

4. Efficient use of limited training resources;

5. Increased distribution of training information between the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility, NASA instructors and the International Partners;

6. Automatic rescheduling of conflicting training classes;

7. Training knowledge permanently captured and expanded over time.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

At the end of Phase II, APTEK will have developed a commercial ready software product, which will also be used by NASA, to automatically set up and schedule training classes. Some of the general capabilities of the Internet accessible AUTO-FUR include:

- Automatic scheduling of a given event.

- Conflict resolution between simultaneously scheduled events.

- Integration with a flexible, patented inventory database.

- Validation of the requested event with the inventory database.

- Automatic learning of user preferences.

- Intelligent substitution of unavailable items.



This technology can be applied to other applications that require a set of inventory for a given class or event. Examples of which include trade show scheduling, shipping scheduling, and general class scheduling. Since AUTO-FUR is completely database driven, the event does not need to be a training class. By simply changing the data in the database, the event can be a totally different activity requiring the same general capabilities described above. The dynamic nature of the inventory database (THMS) allows virtually any type of inventory to be easily represented in the database.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Carolyn M. Yeager
APTEK, Inc.
1257 Lake Plaza Drive
Colorado Springs , CO   80906 - 3578

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

APTEK, Inc.
1257 Lake Plaza Drive
Colorado Springs , CO   80906 - 3578

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.05-1980 (Chron: 992162 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Novel Closed-Water Loop Cooling System for EVA Applications

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A unique highly porous fullerene-based adsorbent material has been found to exhibit a significantly higher carbon dioxide gas adsorption capacity than conventional activated carbon and zeolite adsorbents. In this Phase I research, a novel closed-water loop cooling system using the endothermic process of CO2 desorption from the fullerene adsorbent is proposed for EVA applications. By replacing the water tank in the EMU and utilizing the CO2 gas collected from the Air Revitalization System (ARS) of the space shuttle, maximum use can be made of the resources brought from the Earth by the space shuttle. Efficient cooling can be achieved with reduction in system weight, volume, operation cost and increase in mission reliability, durability, and productivity. In this program, the synthesis of the fullerene adsorbent will be optimized and the cooling performance of the proposed system will be tested. The system integration and overall viability of the proposed technology to meet NASA requirements will also be assessed.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed technology may also find commercial applications such as high density oxygen storage for home oxygen therapy or oxygen supply for military and civilian aircraft, carbon dioxide separation in space shuttle, natural gas storage for next generation vehicles, and gas or liquid stream purification applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Weijong Li

MER Corporation

7960 S Kolb Rd

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 9237

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

MER Corporation

7960 S. Kolb Rd.

Tucson , AZ 85706 - 9237

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.06-9992 (Chron: 992362 )

PROJECT TITLE

Advanced Sensor Suite for Robonaut Hand

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) project will demonstrate the feasibility of using fiber-optic sensors on the human-scale robot hand that has been developed by the Robotic Systems Technology Branch at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC). The fiber-optic sensor approach will provide an innovative way to measure the forces involved with dexterous grasps and power during extra-vehicular activity (EVA) on-board the International Space Station (ISS). The fiber-optic sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and they are extremely small, light weight and easy to install. They can be multiplexed so that at least twelve sensors can be used along a single fiber-optic cable. This will provide a significant reduction in cabling size and weight over conventional strain gauge systems. A miniaturized data acquisition system can be utilized to provide further weight reduction and robustoness when used in the extreme environment of space. This innovation is relevant and important to meeting the technology need of NASA by providing a light weight and technologically improved method to measure force feedback that will provide operator awareness of gripping forces and force moments due to contact with external objects.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

This fiber-optic sensor capability is needed by NASA, DoD, FAA, and DOT. The technology is also needed to mechanical properties by the commercial aviation industry and airline companies. Deepwater drilling and production risers have a need for this technology due to the concern over fatigue failure from VIV that is created from ocean currents. There is a substantial potential for commercialization in developing viable technological improvements over the current methodologies.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

David Brower

Astro Technology Inc.

Bldg. 510 Ellington Field, Suite 200

Houston , TX 77034 - 5507

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Astro Technology Inc.

Bldg. 510 Ellington Field, Suite 200

Houston , TX 77034 - 5507

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.07-0805 (Chron: 991914 )

PROJECT TITLE

Nanophase Fullerene/Nanotube-Berillium Composite Cutters for Drilling on Mars

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In this NASA Phase I SBIR program we propose to develop a new low density nanostructured composite material for reduced mass composite cutters, to join these cutters with berillium holders, and to optimize their performance as cutting tools in the machining of soft and hard rocks. Currently, cutting tools utilize a diamond microcrystalline layer on a WC/Co substrate joined to a steel holder. These current composite tools are manufactured from a high density (massive) material (WC/Co), which is not suitable for Aerospace Systems. We

will evaluate and select between composites formed from our newly developed Fullertubite, which is produced by polymerization of single-wall carbon nanotubes under high pressure. Fullertubite is harder than hardened steel and has a density of ~2.5 g/cm3. High strength to weight ratio gives us an opportunity to apply this material in aerospace systems. We propose to use this material instead of WC/Co (combined with Be instead of steel) for machining, drilling and digging on Mars and on other distant objects, at a weight savings of 4-5 times.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

We expect that the development of new nanostructured carbon-berillium composite materials with high strength to weight ratio will increase the useful payload of aerospace systems and improve mission performance.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Oleg A. Voronov

Diamond Materials Inc.

120 Centennial Ave.

Piscataway , NJ 08854 - 3908

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Diamond Materials Inc.

120 Centennial Ave.

Piscataway , NJ 08854 - 3908

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.07-4242 (Chron: 991497 )

PROJECT TITLE

Single-Walled Nanotubes for Improved Space Structure Adhesives

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Adhesives for space structures are often filled with metallic particles or other fillers to enhance thermal conductivity. Filled systems include both elastomeric adhesives such as the RTV silicones and high Tg thermoset adhesives. Addition of metallic fillers at the required levels results in a significant increase in weight and may degrade the strength or other mechanical properties of the adhesive. Foster-Miller is developing technology for the incorporation of functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes with extremely high (up to 5000:1) aspect ratios and thermal conductivity similar to that of diamond into a variety of organic materials. When these materials are dispersed into the organic matrix they can impart conductivity at low loading levels and can act as reinforcing agents, increasing the strength and stiffness of the matrix rather than degrading it. The functionalized nanotubes exhibit enhanced compatibility with the organic materials and can be chemically bonded to the matrix to enhance the reinforcing effect of the filler. Foster-Miller proposes to evaluate the performance of single walled nanotubes in one of several candidate adhesive systems as a function of purity, functionality and loading level. The thermal and mechanical properties of the adhesive system will be demonstrated, and target applications will be identified.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed use of nanotube reinforcement of organic adhesives or composite matrix resins will result in lightweight, highly conductive adhesives and structural materials which are required for a wide range of military and commercial aerospace applications and thermal management of electronic systems. They will be used for attaching integrated circuits in electronic packages and as enclosures for electronic components and systems.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Margaret Roylance

Foster-Miller, Inc.

350 Second Ave.

Waltham , MA 02451 - 1196

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Foster-Miller, Inc.

350 Second Ave.

Waltham , MA 02451 - 1196

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.07-8008 (Chron: 992329 )

PROJECT TITLE

Incorporation of Nanotubes into Epoxies for Fabricating Advanced Composites

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This Phase I project will addresses the development of a new method for incorporating single walled nanotubes into epoxies. The great strength and light weight that can result from incorporating these tubes into composites is the motivation behind this work. The ability of poly(m-phenylenevinylene-co-2,5-dioctoxy-p-phenylenevinylene (PmPV) to encase and promote the solvation of long carbon nanotubes, permits use of this polymer for long nanotube incorporation into epoxies. Development of resin formulations suitable for this process will include consideration of both processing and performance of the resulting composites. Epoxy formulations will contain multiple resin, modifier, hardener, and diluent components, which interact to affect the most advantages processing and performance characteristics. This will be especially true with regarded to nanotube uptake and uniformity in the epoxy resins. Optimization of a multicomponent formulation to satisfy multipple requirements is materials intensive and time consuming, therefore this project will utilize a multicriteria optimization method to refine formulations to minimize these restraints. This mathematical technique provides for the systematic formulation and processing of variables to efficiently approach optimal performance of the material. This project will result in new epoxy resins capable of fabricating high performance aerospace composites containing nanotubes.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Successful completion of this program will result in a new generation of high strength, light weight composites. The resulting composites will be of immediate interest as secondary and primary structures for aerospace and military applications. The cost reductions accessible from RTM fabrication will also make these materials of interest to automotive, transportation, and recreational composite markets, once production of carbon nanotubes becomes feasible.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Richard A. Bley

Eltron Research Inc

5660 Airport Blvd. #105

Boulder , CO 80301 - 2340

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Eltron Research, Inc.

5660 Airport Blvd., #105

Boulder , CO 80301 - 2340

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.08-4242 (Chron: 992178 )

PROJECT TITLE

Two-Phase Cryogen Massflow and Quality Metering by Multiuse Microwave Sensors

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Measuring the mass flow rates of both the liquid and vapor phases of cryogenic fluids is not currently practiced. This capability would enable the lower weight space systems and allow feedback control and diagnostics for many currently open loop thruster and thermal management systems. Foster-Miller believes that two-phase flow measurement of cryogenics will be demonstrated in this Phase I using our proprietary Dynamical Instrument method with radio frequency sensors. Our method measures the several non-linear, or chaotic, features of the flow and correlates that to calibration runs. The unique work proposed here is to use small, 0.25cm, radio antennas on the inside wall of the pipe. Radio waves have been tried by others but the inherent chaotic nature of two-phase flows has foiled these linear correlation attempts. With the antennas inside of the pipe, signal communications can be done with a radio link with no penetration of the pipe and minimal or no penetration of the surrounding cryogenic insulation jacket. Phase II should be able to reduce this to a practical instrument for flight demonstration. Flight opportunities are being developed through the Center for Space Power and the Commercial Space Center for Engineering.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The space applications will be in cyrogenics and fuel flow measurements on commercial satellites and the Station where end of life knowledge and diagnostics are critical in the decision to park a used satellite. Earthbound applications will be for flow measurement and diagnostics in cryogenic transport, charging on end use systems like magnetic imagining super-conducting magnets, cryogenic generators and manufacturing processes.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Thomas W. Lovell

Foster-Miller, Inc.

350 Second Ave.

Waltham , MA 02451 - 1196

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Foster-Miller, Inc.

350 Second Ave.

Waltham , MA 02451 - 1196

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.08-5058 (Chron: 992277 )

PROJECT TITLE

Non-Flammable Hydrophobic Aerogel Composite Insulation for Cryogenic Storage

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In contrast to conventional hydrophobic aerogels that are flammable, Aspen proposes to develop hydrophobic / non-flammable reinforced composite aerogel insulation for numerous applications where both humidity and high oxygen atmosphere are present. Recent preliminary tests at Aspen demonstrated that a halocarbon compound used as a doping ingredient during the silica aerogel preparation has great potential for satisfying both requirements. Detailed material characterization and performance evaluation in terms of hydrophobic property, non-flammability and thermal insulation will be conducted. In Phase II, this and other means of achieving the dual objectives will be further explored. Flight qualification testing and production scaleup (utilizing Aspen's 1000 liter pilot plant to be installed by September 2000 under a separate project) will also be accomplished in Phase II. This product, if successfully developed, will be an excellent substitute for the expensive and cumbersome vacuum-jacketed Multi Layer Insualtion (MLI) for cryogenic insulation as well as other applications.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Successful completion of this project will lead to a widespread use of aerogel insulation in cryogenic to medium high temperature applications where the insulation might be exposed to humidity or water and non-flammability of the insulation (especially in oxygen rich atmosphere) is important. The applications will include aerospace, automotive and marine, medical, food processing, chemical processing, cryogenic storage and transport, skylights and appliances.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Redouane Begag

Aspen Systems, Inc.

184 Cedar Hill Street

Marlborough , MA 01752 - 3017

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Aspen Systems, Inc.

184 Cedar Hill Street

Marlborough , MA 01752 - 3017

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 08.08-9364 (Chron: 991861 )

PROJECT TITLE

Smart Self-Repairing Cryoseal Technology

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Shape Change Technologies, LLC proposes to deliver engineering designs for a prototypical smart self-repairing cryo-fluid seal for remote applications, such as deep space, lunar or planetary environments, such as on Mars. The seal utilizes new material solutions of cryogenically compatible elastomers and discrete smart actuation materials to provide a seal surface which can be shielded from debris, allow for shape recovery after being compressed from sealing or from local damage. The concept includes a smart shroud to protect the cryocoupling and seal from debris. This elastomeric shroud serves as a reusable, low power, retrofittable secondary seal with embedded sensors for leak detection. The technology scales with size, so both small and large cryo- seal applications are accessible with this technology.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Commercial applications for subcomponents of this technology are in two areas, the seal technology itself and the shroud technology. Markets for general seal applications that would utilize this technology are in biomedical infectious waste containment, self-activating fire seals and for high-end food waste storage for domestic use and in restaurants. Self-repairing seal technology solutions are envisioned in hostile environments, such as isolated oil rig seals and marine seals.

Smart Shrouds markets would also be for hostile environments, where the seal surface needs to be protected from sand, snow, ice, debris, biofouling etc. Markets for this are again in oil drilling, oil and water pipelines and electrical power plants.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Peter Jardine

Shape Change Technologies

1731 Hendrix Ave.

Thousand Oaks , CA 91360 - 00

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Shape Change Technologies

1731 Hendrix Ave.,

Thousand Oaks , CA 91360 - 00

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 09.01-6839A (Chron: 992261 )

PROJECT TITLE

Reductie dechlorination of DNAPLS Using Stable, Natural Microbial Consortia

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Dense non-aqueous phase liquids, like chlorinated solvents (e.g., trichloroethene [TCE]), act as long-term sources of pollution to groundwater because of their low solubilities and slow dissolution kinetics. Pump and treat approaches are long-term, will not achieve site closure, and may need to be operated for 100's of years. Our innovation is to bioaugment (add) a stable dechlorinating consortia of microorganisms to enhance the dissolution rate and in situ dechlorination of a TCE DNAPL to ethene, thus significantly reduce the time to achieve site remediation and closure. This innovation matches the objective of Topic 09.01 Environmental and Ecological Technologies, specifically, "Remediation technologies for chemical and petroleum soil and ground water contamination including in-situ methods".

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The Department of Defence (DoD) alone owns over 3,000 chlorinated hydrocarbons contaminated sites. A review of these sites indicates that at least 270 DoD facilities have defined DNAPL sources. Using $1.3M per site estimated cost for accelerated source treatment, implementation of the proposed approach over pump and treat could represent a market size of over $300 million. Expanding this analysis to include other federal and industrial organizations and the market size could easily exceed $1 billion in the US

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

David Major

GeoSyntec Consultants Limited

One Park Place, 621 N.W., 53rd St. #650

Boca Raton , FL 33487 - 8220

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

GeoSytnec Consultants Inc

One Park Place 621 N.W. 53rd Street,#650

Boca Raton , FL 33487 - 8220

PROJECT TITLE: Smart Mass Spectrometer System for Gas Sensing

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Visidyne proposes to satisfy NASA's requirements for smart, small, rugged, inexpensive gas sensors with wide dynamic range by developing a mass spectrometer system that contains significant innovations relating to ionization efficiency, focusing, and vacuum hardware. Visidyne projects that the accuracy (estimated 3r) and dynamic range (10e6 for one second integration time) are as good or better than those of very expensive systems. The proposed mass spectrometer system is rugged enough for space applications and inexpensive enough that a sizeable market for the instrument exists.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The advantages of a mass spectrometer based system are (1) the dynamic range available, and (2) the versatility,in that the system can be reprogrammed to monitor different species as requirements change. The proposed instrument will find a sizeable market because of its light weight, low cost, and ruggedness. In addition to NASA applications, we have identified universities as a viable market (in the thousands), along with industrial process monitoring, and possible use in explosive or chemical agent detection and monitoring.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Thomas M Miller

Visidyne, Inc.

10 Corporate Place, South Bedford Street

Burlington , MA   01803 - 5168

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Visidyne, Inc.

10 Corporate Place, South Bedford Street

Burlington , MA   01803 - 5168

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 09.02-9880 (Chron: 991947 )

PROJECT TITLE

Filamentless Molecular Beam Ionizer for Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Recent innovations in diamond and boron nitride field emissive thin film fabrication have yielded materials which may be suitable as replacements for hot filament electron ionizers for mass spectrometers. Our phase I effort will be to fabricate an innovative ionizer structure and implement it in our existing compact time-of-flight analyzer design. We will further implement a molecular beam inlet system which increases sensitivity and reduces pumping requirements. The resulting instrument will be rugged, low power and suitable for remote monitoring of gas composition. A target cost for the entire unit not including pumping will be less than 10,000 dollars.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Beyond the use as an insitu leak monitor for NASA launch and environmental monitoring, the rugged ionizer can extend the use of small portable mass spectrometry into areas of environmental monitoring including remote continuous gas sampling.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Katrin Fuhrer

Ionwerks, Inc.

2472 Bolsover, Ste. 255

Houston , TX 77005 - 2537

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Ionwerks, Inc.

2472 Bolsover, Ste. 255

Houston , TX 77005 - 2537

PROJECT TITLE: An Integrated Tool for Resource Scheduling and Health Monitoring

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In this proposal, Intelligent Automation, Incorporated (IAI) proposes an Automated Non-intrusive Health Monitoring tool for simultaneous component or structure degradation monitoring (trend analysis), fault detection, and diagnostics in ground systems. This prognostic technique, or health monitoring (HM) tool, can be combined with IAI's internetworking software to provide remote monitoring capability. The innovation will also allow us to detect new fault conditions that have not occurred before. This may include sensor failures and hence, the capability of validity self-checks. Our algorithm uses one major tool: Principal Component Analysis (PCA). PCA is a powerful technique for extracting the features inside the sensor signals. A major advantage of PCA is that supervised learning is unnecessary. Another advantage of PCA is that we can use it for degradation monitoring or reliability assessment. It can also be used for early detection of cracks, fatigue, and corrosion signatures buried in sensor signals. General sensor fusion architecture will be used for fusing different decisions. The proposed method is relevant to the subtopic because our innovation can provide a trend analysis that detects structural degradation due to cracks, corrosion, and fatigue. The purpose is to reduce the likelihood of structural or other failures in ground systems such as engines and gearboxes.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Health monitoring technology has many applications such as helicopter gearbox systems, jet and automotive engine diagnostics, and many of NASA's flight critical systems. The jet and automobile industries are multibillion Dollar industries that are commercial grounds for this technology.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Chiman Kwan
Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place
Suite 202
Rockville , MD   20850 - 6205

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Intelligent Automation, Inc.
2 Research Place
Suite 202
Rockville , MD   20850 - 6205

PROJECT TITLE: AI Techniques for Payload and Vehicle Processing Scheduling

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

SHAI proposes the development of an Intelligent Operations Scheduling System (IOSS). It will automatically schedule and optimize processing operations and utilization of resources, including floor space. It will be based on a general scheduling approach where every decision is made by a general constraint satisfaction inferencing engine using knowledge entered by domain experts. It may therefore be readily applied to many different domains. It will also include spatial constraints scheduling. Using on our extensive intelligent scheduling system experience, we have systematically examined each decision made in a wide range of scheduling systems and are proposing an IOSS which subsumes a large number of scheduling problems by making each decision customizable. Proposed Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques include Constraint Satisfaction, Intelligent Entities, Case-Based Reasoning CBR), and Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA).

In phase I we will knowledge engineer expert KSC schedulers, develop applicable knowledge representation and AI scheduling techniques, investigate the integration requirements with existing tools, design the full-scale system,and develop a limited, proof of concept prototype.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Applications include Scheduling Libraries, Manufacturing-related Scheduling, and Project Management. Manufacturing Production Scheduling is similar to IOSS and makes up $89M of the $625M Advanced Planning and Scheduling (APS) industry and will grow 40 percent annually to $482M in 2002. Both the United Space Alliance and Cocoa Expo Sports Center have sent letters of interest. to plant operators in process industries - such as chemical manufacturing and electrical power generation - where any human error results in extremely costly plant down-time.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Richard Stottler
Stottler Henke Associates, Inc.
1660 So. Amphlett Blvd. Ste. 350
San Mateo , CA   94402 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Stottler Henke Associates, Inc.
1660 So. Amphlett Blvd. Ste. 350
San Mateo , CA   94402 - 0000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 09.04-5000 (Chron: 991776 )

PROJECT TITLE

Hydrogen Magnetic Liquifier (HML)

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC) and Astronautics Corporation of America (ACA) have teamed to propose the development of a hydrogen mangnetic liquifier that is highly efficient and cost effective for hydrogen operations at NASA/Kennedy Space Center. The innovation rests on magnetic refrigeration technology that has been evolving at ACA. A previous design for a large HML will be improved to make it cost-competitive in logistics operations at KSC. Improvements to the current technology are proposed. Phase I would involve definition of systems requirements, configuration modeling of small and large HML systems, and performance of a cost-benefit study. This proposal satisfies the need for improvement in ground-test operation and cost effectiveness through liquid hydrogen boil-off recovery or utilization systems. It is known that if the life cycle cost of the HML operation is less than the continued boil-off of the lowest cost hydrogen in the world, then the project should proceed through to demonstration and verification.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The results of this project can be applied to a wide variety of terrestrial applications. If technical and economical feasibility can be established for HML operation at NASA Kennedy Space Center, it can be applied to other NASA centers, laboratories, and industrial users of hydrogen. The results of Phase I will establish the economic payback time for the HML system. It will also determine the limits on size and capacity to ensure economic advantage of HML. The HML technology can also be applied to near-room temperature refrigeration. The search for a practical magnetocaloric cooling configuration for the large near-room temperature refrigeration and air-conditioning market has been conducted by many groups in different nations over the past two decades. Users of refrigeration systems containing volatile fluids that endanger the ozone layer or increase the greenhouse effect are becoming understandably impatient with the increasing expense and complexity associated with the safeguarding and recycling of refrigerants. Controversy over how to cut fossil fuel use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions underscores the importance of improving the efficiency of energy-intensive refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. A magnetic refrigeration technology that uses no hazardous fluids and has the potential for very high efficiency has great commercial potential.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Eric E. Rice

Orbital Technologies Corporation

Space Center, 1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Orbital Technologies Corporation

1212 Fourier Drive

Madison , WI 53717 - 1961

PROJECT TITLE: High-throughput micro-crystallization system.

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The greatest obstacle in determining protein structures by x-ray crystallography is obtaining crystals of sufficient size and quality. Growing large high-quality crystals is dependent upon determining the optimal growth conditions, a difficult process with current technology due to the large amount of purified protein required. Many proteins can not be crystallized because of this requirement. The proposed project will give researchers the ability to Screen conditions using much less protein, thus opening the technology of x-ray crystallography to thousands of new proteins and making it easier and more cost effective for thousands of other proteins. This innovative system will immediately benefit scientists pursuing drug development, and ultimately the general public who will experience the benefits of new drugs to treat currently untreatable diseases or improved treatment over current therapies. As additional proteins are crystallized, the need for microgravity research will also increase with the need to optimize rystal growth.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

There currently exists a great demand from pharmaceutical companies and research scientists for better methods to rystallize proteins, a basic part of the process of structure-based drug design. Traditional screening methodsrequire large amounts of purified protein, which is expensive to produce for many proteins and virtually impossible o produce for others. The proposed innovation will decrease the experimental substrate to a micro-array format equiring much less protein to screen multiple conditions. This will considerably reduce the protein purification xpenses of pharmaceutical companies as well as open up the availability of x-ray crystallography for numerousother proteins. High-throughput screening will be a boon to crystallography and would facilitate the conversion of proteome information to potential drug discovery targets.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Gayle Christopher, PhD 
Diversified Scientific, Inc.
 1601 12th Ave S
 Birmingham , AL   35078 - 4709

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Diversified Scientific, Inc. 
1601 12th Ave. S. 
Birmingham , AL   35205 - 4709

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 10.01-8585 (Chron: 992158 )

PROJECT TITLE

Genetic Search -based Robust Controllers for Microgravity Vibration Isolation

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of using genetic search methods for the design of a fixed-order robust controller for the microgravity isolation system. The microgravity isolation system is a good application for mixed H2/H-infinity robust control, and a fixed-order controller is desirable from an implementation standpoint. Several authors have presented numerical algorithms for finding fixed-order H2/H-infinity controllers, but these algorithms have not been entirely satisfactory due to the complex nature of the algorithms. Thus, the potential of this type of control has been difficult to exploit. Genetic search methods are an emerging technology useful for highly nonlinear, discontinuous, and non-convex design optimization problems. These techniques can provide a superior approach for synthesizing fixed-order robust controllers. A fixed-order robust controller could provide substantially improved performance over existing controllers, implying that microgravity experiments and processes would be at less risk. Phase I will establish the feasibility of the concept. Phase II research will produce a complete design environment for the synthesis of fixed-order, mixed H2/H-infinity controllers. This design environment will be commercialized.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

A fixed-order dynamic compensator design methodology has numerous applications is flight control and process control. Vibration isolation technology has widespread applications in industry. Motion sensor calibration and industrial metrology are two such applications. Communication technology can also use the vibration isolation methods developed under this project.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Gregory Sweriduk

Optimal Synthesis Inc.

470 San Antonio Road, Suite 200

Palo Alto , CA 94306 - 4646

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Optimal Synthesis Inc.

470 San Antonio Road, Suite 200

Palo Alto , CA 94306 - 4646

PROJECT TITLE: Software Tool for Designing and Evaluating Petri Nets

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

S&K Electronics proposes to develop a toolkit to aid systems analysis and design. The toolkit will support the use of data flow diagrams for systems analysis and the use of Petri nets for verification of systems design. This Toolkit can speed analysis and design, and it can assist analysts in verifying designs with subject matter experts. Innovations include graphical support for constructing data flow diagrams and Petri nets, using animated Petri nets to verify software systems designs, and integrating the products of the data flow diagramming tool with the Petri net tool. We will also investigate the feasibility of code generation to initiate the development of software programs to implement the designs modeled in the Petri nets. This toolkit can be used by systems analysts at NASA/JSC to analyze and design new software more quickly and more accurately. It can improve the communication between subject matter experts and software analysts to ensure usable, useful software systems. The specific domain of applications to focus the Phase I effort is development of software to support NASA/JSC mission operations, with specific attention to software that supports the Station Duty Officer position.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Systems analysis and software design are performed by a vast number of commercial concerns. Because our proposed toolkit is applicable to such a wide range of domains, the size of the potential market is extremely large. We have a unique competitive advantage because there are no competitors which offer the integrated support for data flow diagrams, Petri nets, and code generation. Our toolkit is also unique in its use of Petri nets for modeling a broad range of business software applications and in its support for communications between software analysts and domain experts. We intend to bundle the toolkit with examples showing non-engineering applications and emphasize their use in a wide variety of domains. This product is similiar to other products under development at S&K Electronics, in which advanced engineering techniques are made easier to use by a graphically oriented tool for designing and modifying them. Finally, one of the consultants contributing significantly to the Phase I effort routinely provides consultation services to a number of companies. He can help us find an appropriate partner for developing the toolkit into a commercial product.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Carroll Thronesbery
S&K Electronics
1016 Hercules Ave
Houston , TX   77058 - 2722

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

S&K Electronics
53347 Highway 93
Ronan , MT   59864 - 9557

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.01-3100 (Chron: 992534 )

PROJECT TITLE

Multi-Spectral Membrane Mirror Light Shutter System for Lidar Applications

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This SBIR Phase I project is concerned with the development of a low-cost, compact, large-area, high-speed multi-spectral (UV and NIR) light shutter system for use in lidar and laser-ranging systems. The proposed device is based on membrane-mirror light modulator technology, and the goal of the program is to design, construct and test a shutter system with sub-microsecond rise times and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. A prototype shutter and driver electronics system will be built and delivered at the end of the Phase I program. Phase II will focus on miniaturizing the driver electronics, designing the device so it can handle high optical power densities (>1 kW/cm2), and testing the device in a lidar test bed that will be provided by ITT Systems Division. The anticipated results of the project are a rugged, low-cost, high-modulation-rate shutter that should significantly enhance the performance of current imaging laser radar systems.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The large-area membrane-mirror light shutter will find commercial applications in laser radar systems, high-speed photography, laser printing, engraving and trimming, and as a phase modulator for optical beam spoiling.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Vernon Shrauger

Optron Systems, Inc.

3 Preston Court

Bedford , MA 01730 - 2379

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Optron Systems, Inc.

3 Preston Court

Bedford , MA 01730 - 2379

PROJECT TITLE: Profiling Instrument for Analysis of Key Redox Species, pH and Temperature

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

There currently is no commercially available instrument which can be programmed and used in real time to analyze a variety of electroactive species in the marine environment and simultaneously record pH and temperature.

The development of a deployable / profiling electrochemical platform would allow for the real time measurement of electroactive species, pH and temperature in the water column, sediments and soils. Further, the instrument can be moored in position to take timed data, and used in the analysis of sediments in the ocean, bays, harbors (Tengberg, 1995), or planet surfaces. With the concern about "Hot Spots", where both copper, tin, lead paints from ships and lead from discarded batteries from lighted buoys is a concern, an instrument such as this could be used to locate contaminated sediments in bays and harbors. A moored electrochemical instrument can also be used to monitor discharge compliance from manufacturing, electrical power plants (for detecting copper or other metal contamination), in monitoring the effluent from hydrothermal vents (Nuzzio, 1988,1999) or used as a lander on a planetary surface.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The ability to couple a rugged, small, potentiostat, with a variety of analytical voltammetric and stripping techniques, including pH, temperature and profiling, traditionally left for the lab bench, makes this instrument a truly exciting tool for the researcher. This is a very opportune time for the development of such a device, in light of the growing need from the oceanographic, environmental and planetary communities (see attached letters).

Continued funding will allow this technology to be expanded into the consumer marketplace. Inexpensive water analyzers could be constructed, the possibilities are endless!

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Donald B. Nuzzio

Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.

118 Old York Road

Ringoes , NJ   08551 - -118

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Analytical Instrument Systems, Inc.

118 Old York Road

Ringoes , NJ   08551 - 0118

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.03-1100 (Chron: 992223 )

PROJECT TITLE

Novel Mini-DIAL Transmitter

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal addresses the need for a new generation of water vapor DIAL transmitters. These transmitters must be UAV flight deployable and operate efficiently at a high repetition rate and low pulse energy. Aculight proposes to address this need with a compositionally tuned garnet laser that operates directly at the wavelength of interest.

This quasi-four level laser material requires a very bright pump source to operate efficiently at low pulse energies.

Aculight's innovation is a revolutionary technique that when applied to diode bar can increase their output brightness by well over an order of magnitude. This will be the first demonstration of a solid state laser pumped using this technique and will lead to an entirely new class of laser systems. Coupling this with Aculight's advance manufacturing techniques that allow lasers can be dropped from a height of three feet without effecting their performance and Aculight's extensive background in laser engineering will lead to a flight worthy water vapor DIAL transmitter in Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Commercial applications for this device are very broad and extend to almost any application that could benefit from brighter laser diode bars. Specific applications currently being targeted by Aculight for this technology lie in the medical and material processing industries, among others.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Jason Farmer

Aculight Corporation

11805 North Creek Pkwy S. #113

Bothell , WA 98011 - 8802

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Aculight Corporation

11805 North Creek Pky S. Suite 113

Bothell , WA 98011 - 8802

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.03-1896B (Chron: 991666 )

PROJECT TITLE

High PRF LiSAF Laser for UAV Water Vapor DIAL

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose to develop a compact, robust differential absorption lidar (DIAL) for water vapor profiling from an unpiloted aeronautical vehicle (UAV) platform. The key to the innovation of this UAV DIAL is in a small, high performance, diode pumped Cr:LiSAF laser tunable in 830nm range. In a compact and low power consumption configuration, this laser will provide a narrow linewidth and stable 20mJ laser pulses at a high PRF up to 100Hz. These laser characteristics: moderate energy and high PRF are very well suited for high altitude (20km) UAV flights. The novel digital lidar design approach using a moderate laser pulse energy with high PRF allows the laser system to be very compact and robust for ease of deployment on the UAV, while maintaining a lidar performance equal to that of the conventional DIAL system. In Phase I, a breadboard laser with all proposed attributes will bedeveloped and the performance will be demonstrated in the laboratory. A comprehensive design of the lidar system integrated with the laser, will also be performed to meet the UAV operational requirements. SESI's expertise in DIAL design and extensive experience will be directly applied for designing an autonomous system to be produced in Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Many commercial applications are envisaged for the compact autonomous lidars. In addition to the NASA's needs for remote sensing from the UAV platform a large commercial potential for weather station facilities is real and practical.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Coorg R. Prasad

Science & Engineering Services

4032 Blackburn Lane

Burtonsville , MD 20866 - 1168

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Science & Engineering Services, Inc.

4032 Blackburn Lane

Burtonsville , MD 20866 - 1168

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.03-3772A (Chron: 991584 )

PROJECT TITLE

Lithium Borogermanate; A New NLO Crystal for Frequency Conversion

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials play a critical role in current solid-state laser systems enabling broad tunability and operation at wavelengths not accessible by available laser gain media. At the same time, NLO materials limit the longevity and efficiency of these laser systems due to low damage thresholds, poor optical quality and small nonlinearities. As a result, new NLO materials are required to improve the performance of existing systems and to provide new combinations of optical and mechanical properties that yield new wavelengths. Specifically, there is a need for new/better NLO materials for use in high efficiency all solid-state lasers operating in the UV. Borate crystals, including BBO and LBO, are currently two of the industry standards for this application. A new material, lithium borogermanate (LBG), has the potential to replace these materials with increased transmission in the UV combined with larger nonlinearities. Based on preliminary characterization results, crystalline structure, and composition, LBG has the potential to enable new devices that require operation deeper in the UV. This Phase I SBIR project is aimed at developing hydrothermal growth systems for this new NLO material. This project will use unique, resealable, hydrothermal growth equipment capable of precise control and in-situ monitoring of growth conditions.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The successful development of a new NLO material like LBG would have immediate widespread commercial and military application. LBG would compete directly with both BBO and LBO primarily for frequency conversion (OPO and SHG). LBG is estimated to have larger nonlinearities combined with improved transmission in the UV and has the potential to displace the current use of these crystals and enable new devices that require operation deeper in the UV.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Randy W. Equall

Scientific Materials Corporation

310 Icepond Road

Bozeman , MT 59715 - 5380

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Scientific Materials Corporation

310 Icepond Road

Bozeman , MT 59715 - 5380

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.03-4807 (Chron: 992624 )

PROJECT TITLE

High-Power Narrow-Linewidth Two Micrometer Semiconductor Seeder Laser

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose to develop a single-frequency, narrow-linewidth semiconductor laser operating in the 1.8 - 2.1 um wavelength band for injection seeding high-power solid state lasers or for use as a local oscillator in coherent lidar systems. Reliable, low-cost, semiconductor laser sources are not available at these wavelengths. The laser will consist of discrete fiber-coupled master oscillator(MO) and power amplifier (PA) modules. The MO module will utilize a fiber Bragg grating in conjunction with a semiconductor optical amplifier to create a highly-stable, narrow- linewidth (< 150 kHz) optical source. To facilitate differential absorption lidar (DIAL) and coherent lidar applications, the operating wavelength can be tuned over a range of more than 1 nm by either temperature or strain tuning the fiber grating. The PA module will contain a high-power tapered semiconductor optical amplifier chip that amplifies the signal from the MO increasing the available output power while maintaining the spectral purity of the MO. The MO-PA semiconductor laser will be designed to provide more than 50 mW of diffraction-limited optical power from a single-mode optical fiber. This innovative approach promises to provide NASA with a compact, efficient, reliable, and low-cost injection seeder or master oscillator source for 1.8 - 2.1 mm lidar systems.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Narrow-linewidth semiconductor lasers operating in the wavelength range between 1.8-2.1 um will be used in numerous commercial and military applications. Some direct applications include trace gas detection, and chemical/environmental monitoring. There are also numerous medical applications including human health diagnostics through breath analysis using isotope-ratio spectroscopy.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Peter Heim

Quantum Photonics, Inc.

P.O. Box 49

College Park , MD 20741 - 0049

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Quantum Photonics, Inc.

P.O. Box 49

College Park , MD 20741 - 0049

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.04-0550A (Chron: 992022 )

PROJECT TITLE

A novel,ultra-sensitive instrument for measurement of aerosol parameters

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Informed Diagnostics, Inc. (ID), proposes to develop a novel continuous wave cavity ringdown spectroscopy (CW-CRDS) instrument to measure the single-scatter albedo (SSA) of aerosols and clouds. The instrument will measure both the scattering and the extinction coefficients, and will thus be able to determine the single-scatter albedo directly in an integral, compact unit. In Phase I, we will demonstrate the feasibility of our design through a working desktop prototype. If funded in Phase II, we will design, build, test, and deliver an Advanced Prototype to NASA for testing that will be robust enough to use aboard aircraft to make in situ measurements. It will represent a significant advance in the state of the art in atmospheric aerosol measurements, employing an internal effective path length of several kilometers (compared with 20 m, the current state of the art). Phase III will result in a commercial instrument. Besides the importance of these measurements in studying and modeling the climatic effects of aerosols and clouds, we anticipate commercial applications in the monitoring of pollution, air quality, and industrial clean rooms. We also see a large potential market for monitors for domestic security agencies to detect aerosol dispersed biological warfare agents.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

We anticipate that inexpensive portable devices based on the technology to be developed through this SBIR will have commercial applications in the following areas:

- monitoring of particulate matter pollution by federal, state, and local governments, industrial facilities, and power plants

- monitoring of air quality in semiconductor fabrication facilities

- domestic security preparedness against the threat of terrorist attacks using biological warfare agents

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Barbara A. Paldus

Informed Diagnostics Inc.

1050 E Duane Ave, Suite I

Sunnyvale , CA 94086 - 2627

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Informed Diagnostics Inc.

1050 E Duane Ave, Suite I

Sunnyvale , CA 94086 - 2627

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.04-1105 (Chron: 991708 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Cloud Particle Imager for Balloons and Remotely Piloted Aircraft

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The Earth Observing System (EOS), a constellation of satellites that will observe clouds from space, needs reliable in situ measurements of cloud drops and ice particles for validation of remote retrieval algorithms. Current aircraft cloud particle measurements do not give good statistical data sets when compared to satellite overpasses. A new instrument, the cloud particle imager (CPI), previously developed under the SBIR program by SPEC, is now providing unique, high-resolution airborne digital images of cloud particles. A CPI that is configured for long-term measurements from a tethered balloon, or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA), such as the newly acquired NASA Proteus, can provide valid statistical comparisons. In Phase I, we will design a miniaturized, stand-alone CPI that can be operated for extended periods on a tethered balloon or an RPA. The balloon tether is heated so it can remain free of ice and stay aloft in clouds for days. In Phase II, we will build and test the miniature, stand-alone CPI on a research aircraft, RPA (if the NASA Proteus is available) and on the tethered balloon.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

A miniaturized, stand-alone CPI will be used to make unattended measurements from research aircraft and at the surface in the Arctic and Antarctic. The CPI is unique in its ability to distinguish small ice particles from supercooled cloud and drizzle drops and may eventually be essential for FAA certification, which will represent a substantial commercial market. The stand-alone CPI can be used to monitor and automatically control oil-fueled power plants, providing temendous fuel savings. Other industrial applications include particle measurement of combustible fuels, engine exhaust, paint, agricultural and snow making sprays.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

R. Paul Lawson

SPEC Incorporated

5401 Western Ave. Suite B

Boulder , CO 80301 - 2730

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

SPEC Incorporated

5401 Western Ave. Suite B

Boulder , CO 80301 - 2730

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.04-2200 (Chron: 992384 )

PROJECT TITLE

4K x 4K and Larger Detector Arrays Sensitive in near UV with large well depth

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The overall objective of this SBIR Phase I research project is to explore the feasibility of very high resolution CMOS APS image sensors intended for use in near ultraviolet imaging for atmospheric and Earth surface studies.

Special attention will be paid to specifications dictated by NASA requirements, including pixel count, power consumption, array format, pixel design, and pixel size, with a specific focus on sensitivity in the near ultraviolet (300-400 nm). The effort in this research project has three specific technical objectives. The first one is to complete an architectural study for near ultraviolet(grayscale), large format CMOS APS image sensors tailored to NASA requirements. The second specific technical objective is the design and simulation of essential circuits required to enable the design of these image sensors. The third and final specific technical objective is to fully integrate a CMOS APS pixel array along with required periphery circuits. The integrated design will be verified and made ready for submission to the foundry for fabrication.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The high-resolution, low-power CMOS APS image sensor will fill a performance vacuum in the image sensor market, enabling high-resolution, low-power, miniature cameras at lower cost. The fact that Photobit CMOS APS image sensors can perform as well as CCDs, with the added benefit of lower power (10 to 100 times less) and integration of electronics (enabling miniaturization), allows them to not only compete in the same markets as CCDs, but also provide opportunities to expand the existing image sensor market. The proposed image sensor and the technical advances associated with its development are extremely important for other NASA space applications.

They are also very important for consumer camera markets (digital still cameras, camcorders, video cellular phones, and high-end video conferencing). In addition, technical advances in the manufacture of high-resolution, low-power image sensors that are expected to result from this SBIR, will directly benefit Photobit's high volume, high-resolution, low-power sensor product lines (for example, machine vision and digital still camera). An additional market that is important in establishing Photobit's preeminence in the image sensor community is that of digital cinematography. The resolution required for a film movie camera replacement is minimally 2K x 3K pixels, going to 2K x 4K pixels.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Sandor Barna

Photobit Corporation

135 N. Los Robles 7th FL

Pasadena , CA 91101 - 1758

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Photobit Corporation

135 N. Los Robles 7th Floor

Pasadena , CA 91101 - 1758

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.04-2820 (Chron: 992020 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Highly Adaptive Hyperspectral Imager

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Under the proposed program, Visidyne will develop a Spectral Imager capable of acquiring high resolution spectral data and, simultaneously, high resolution 2-D spatial data. The instrument consists of a focal plane array camera combined with a Fourier transform interferometer having a rapidly repositionable moving mirror. The design is innovative in that it provides for a complete trade-off between frame rate, spectral resolution, spectral coverage, and sensitivity, and permits such tradeoffs in real time in the field or in orbit. Key to the design is the capability to precisely and rapidly position the interferometer moving mirror, allowing the system to fully sample interferograms or, with simple command changes, to selectively under-sample interferograms by various programmable factors. This capability makes it possible at one extreme to generate broad-band images (imaging radiometer mode), while at the other extreme maintaining spectral resolutions of 0.1 cm-1 (hyperspectral imaging mode). In the latter mode, the rapid mirror positioning capability selectively under-samples interferograms, in order to produce spectra across various combinations of disjoint or contiguous passbands. The concept addresses NASA's stated need under this subtopic for spectral instrumentation having flexible or band aggregation capabilities, along with reduced volumes of collected data.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS include environmental monitoring, industrial processcontrol, and hyperspectral remote sensing of earth resources. The earth resources monitoring applications include crop and forest surveys, geological prospecting, oceanographic studies, meteorological surveys, and land-use surveys.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Theodore F. Zehnpfennig

Visidyne, Inc.

10 Corporate Place, South Bedford Street

Burlington , MA 01803 - 5168

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Visidyne, Inc.

10 Corporate Place, South Bedford Street

Burlington , MA 01803 - 5168

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.04-9676 (Chron: 992424 )

PROJECT TITLE

Latching Miniature Valve

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A tightly-sealing, non-corrosive miniature valve that can be baked and requires power only during on/off switching has many applications, especially in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.

A tight seal (10e-10 SCCM) requires a large force. Ability to tolerate bake-out, corrosion resistance, and cleanliness (freedom from organic and hydrocarbon contaminants) limits suitable materials to stainless steel and similar metals.

Large force, small volume, and light weight actuation are feasible using electrically- powered shape-memory alloy (SMA) devices. Incorporating a latching mechanism, so that power is required only during on/off switching, compensates for the large power requirement of SMA actuators.

The proposed valve consists of a welded extensible tube containing a poppet and matching orifice. When closed, the poppet and orifice are pressed together by a bistable spring. The bistable spring latch mechanism is moved from closed to open position by a shape-memory actuator that elongates the extensible tube. A second SMA actuator reverses the latch from the open to the closed position.

In Phase I, an all-metal poppet/orifice combination will be developed to give low leak rates, forceful SMA actuators will be designed and built, a suitable latching device will be designed, and proof-of-concept latching valves will be fabricated.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Tightly-sealing, non-corrosive miniature valves that can be baked have significant market potential as shut-off valves in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. The planned device can be scaled to larger (or smaller) size, can control liquids as well as gasses, and is safer to use around hazardous materials such as fuels because the electrical load is purely resistive rather than inductive. Commercial applications include aerospace and transportation.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

A. David Johnson

TiNi Alloy Company

1621 Neptune Drive

San Leandro , CA 94577 - 3162

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

TiNi Alloy Company

1621 Neptune Drive

San Leandro , CA 94577 - 3162

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.05-0766 (Chron: 992173 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Novel Machine Learning System for Autonomous Classification of High-Resolution

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

NASA has a critical need to automate the identification and classification of features in Earth Science imagery, particularly new high-resolution imagery. In addition, commercial applications of Earth Science data as well as the viability of the remote sensing industry depend on the development of new tools for accelerated classification of remotely sensed images. Previous research by others to automate analysis of remote sensing data through development of feature extraction software has met with limited success. The proposed research involves a new automated feature extraction approach that uses innovative machine-learning algorithms and techniques, including "neural network ensembles" and "foveal vision." Visual Learning Systems (VLS) proposes to demonstrate the technical feasibility of this approach for rapid extraction of features from a wide variety of high-resolution digital images. This Phase I research is expected to result in technology advances that will successfully demonstrate the feasibility of VLS's innovative machine-learning system for automated feature classification from diverse high-resolution multispectral, hyperspectral, and radar image data sets from leading satellite and airborne sensors. These results will establish a solid foundation for further research during Phase II that will lead to a fully operational automated feature classification system ready for subsequent commercial development.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The VLS machine learning system for autonomous classification of high-resolution digital data is focused on commercial applications for the image understanding and geographic information systems (GIS) markets.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Stuart Blundell

Visual Learning Systems, Inc.

300 State Street

Helena , MT 59601 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Visual Learning Systems, Inc.

300 State Street

Helena , MT 59601 - 0000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.05-4770A (Chron: 992544 )

PROJECT TITLE

Fast High-Fidelity Atmospheric Correction for Hyperspectral Imagery

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The viability of commercial remote sensing with hyperspectral and multispectral imagers depends critically on the ability to perform fast and accurate correction for the effects of the atmosphere. Great strides have been taken in development of correction algorithms and their implementation in research-level, analyst-driven codes. However, there is still need for a commercial product combining speed, autonomy, and high-fidelity correction. Therefore, Spectral Sciences, Inc. proposes to develop the Fast Automated Atmospheric Correction for Earth-observing Terrain Sensors (FAACETS) code, designed to provide 10- to 100-fold or greater increases in speed over current atmospheric correction codes without loss of fidelity. One of several key concepts enabling the speed-up is the use of a pre-computed sensor-specific MODTRAN4-based Giant Look-Up Table (GLUT) that encompasses the entire operational envelope of the sensor. The Phase I technical objectives include: (1) generation of a GLUT for the AVIRIS sensor, (2) integration into our current state-of-the-art atmospheric correction code and evaluation with data, and (3) definition of Phase II software and hardware taking advantage of efficient coding and a parallel processing architecture. In Phase II, FAACETS will be fully implemented, tested, and delivered to NASA.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The FAACETS commercial product will be a fast and automated atmospheric correction software package for satellite and airborne multispectral and hyperspectral visible/near-infrared imaging sensors. This encompasses a diverse range of commercial applications such as precision agriculture, mineral prospecting, forest management, ocean resource mapping, land use planning, and surface pollution monitoring. FAACETS will also find widespread military utility where rapid and accurate remote detection and identification of terrain and target features are critical.

NASA has a multitude of ongoing and planned multispectral and hyperspectral sensor programs (e.g., EOS/MODIS, CRSP, AVIRIS,) that will also benefit from this product.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Alexander Berk

Spectral Sciences, Inc.

99 South Bedford Street, #7

Burlington , MA 01803 - 5169

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Spectral Sciences, Inc.

99 South Bedford Street, #7

Burlington , MA 01803 - 5169

PROJECT TITLE: A Novel Volumetric 3D Display for Satellite Data Visualization

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The primary objective of the SBIR effort proposed herein is to develop the hardware and software prototype of a novel high-resolution volumetric three- dimensional (3D) display system that is suitable for visualizing various types of 3D data collected by satellite sensors. The proposed volumetric 3D display technique has a 360 degree look-around group viewing capability and allows a group of viewers to simultaneously view and analyze 3D data (such as hyperspectral data sets, multi-variate geospatial data, remote sensor data, etc.) without wearing any special viewing aid or goggle.

Due to the complexity of satellite data analysis and visualization, the ability to provide sharable three-dimensional visualization and measurement would significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of decision making, validation, and collaborative development environment. A true 3D volumetric display device would literally add a new dimension to the advanced human/computer interface.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The market for volumetric 3D display systems is sizable, and applications are enormous, including both military (e.g. air traffic control, battle management, submarine navigation, telemedicine in battle field) and commercial (e.g., virtual reality, computer aided design, visualization of multidimensional data, medical imaging, surgery assistance, education, scientific computing, video games, stadium displays, etc.) The 3D display systems will provide a new level of realism and literally add a new dimension to the dynamic interaction between human and the world around us.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Yuanming Feng

Genex Technologies, Inc.

10605 Concord Street, #500

Kensington , MD 20895 - 2504

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Genex Technologies, Inc.

10605 Concord Street, Suite 500

Kensington , MD 20895 - 2504

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.06-2700 (Chron: 992576 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Wide Area Soil Moisture Measuring System Using Commercial VHF/UHF Signals

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

An innovative, wide-area, multi-method, multi-frequency groundwave system capable of measuring the average value of absolute soil moisture from the surface down to approximately 10 cm using commercial VHF/UHF radio, television and possibly GPS signals is described. Our innovation lies in using a combination of methods operating at different frequencies to accurately determine the constitutive parameters of the ground and hence the absolute surface volumetric soil moisture. The work proposed will determine the best combination of methods and frequencies as well as data links to meet the accuracy and resolution goals to economically provide the wide area coverage. The resulting system will provide for near-real time monitoring of soil moisture over a resolution cell of 20 by 20 km to validate the L-band satellite-borne radiometer, at an estimated not-to-exceed acquisition cost of $7.50 per square km.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The system envisioned may be suitable for use by farmers to assess the volumetric moisture content of surface soil in their fields and within their crops. Other government agencies, such as USDA, NOAA and DOD are interested in remote sensing of soil moisture, snow moisture and detection of near-surface buried objects.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Marshall W Cross

MegaWave Corporation

PO Box 614, 200 Shrewsbury St

Boylston , MA 01505 - 0614

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

MegaWave Corporation

PO Box 614, 200 Shrewsbury St.

Boylston , MA 01505 - 0614

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.07-4198 (Chron: 992500 )

PROJECT TITLE

MobileEarth: A Secure GPS-Aware Internet Browser

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Mobile Earth Inc. (MEI)'s innovation is a secure, low-cost, GPS-aware Internet browser for mobile applications. Our product will differ from current browsers in that it adds a mode that will pass real-time GPS coordinates to internet map and image servers. This innovation provides a user-friendly, low-cost, and effective data viewing and real-time data browse and general rendering tool for scientific as well as commercial applications as requested in topic 12.07.

The MobileEarth browser is a simple solution that leverages the widely accepted internet protocol (IP), current and pending cellular and satellite communications technologies, currently available laptop computers, simple or differential Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and the increasingly sophisticated server-side search, visualization and analytical capabilities of internet map and image servers while retaining access to all other elements of the Internet. With the MobileEarth browser and a simple GPS receiver card, any laptop computer with cellular or satellite Internet access could become a real-time mobile mapping, browse, visualization and analysis tool for less than $200. This solution is also flexible in that it can be used with differential GPS (DGPS) receivers and a wide variety of portable digital data acquisition instruments.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Mobile, location specific data browse, visualization, mapping and location crucial messaging including e-911, law-enforcement, and defense, business applications as well as all current Internet applications.

________________________________________________________________________

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Richard A. Beck

Lib. & Info. Science, Univ. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Univ. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Champaign , IL 62058 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

MobileEarth, Inc.

614 Melissa Dr.

Oxford , OH 45056 - 8961

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.08-9477 (Chron: 991793 )

PROJECT TITLE

Frequency-Domain Delay-Doppler Mapping Receiver for Surface-Reflected GPS Signal

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A novel approach is proposed for the detection and estimation of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals reflected from water surface for sea-state sensing and ionospheric measurement. Our approach sets forth new frequency-domain technical insertions into an innovative GPS signal delay-Doppler mapping receiver architecture. It will produce the correlation power as function of delay and Doppler (i.e., a two dimensional map) and lead to the pre-detection integration accumulation with longer time for enhanced signal to noise ratio (SNR). Our design has the potential to improve the reflected GPS signal detection and estimation, thus providing a reliable information source for scientific data extraction. It can also offer cost and performance advantages over present approaches based on hardware correlators design. In Phase I, the novel 2D delay-Doppler mapping mechanism will be thoroughly studied, a set of algorithms to achieve it will be developed and evaluated, and a preliminary hardware design to implement it will be put forth. In Phase II, the processing algorithms, software modules, and hardware schemes will be reduced into an operational prototype for testing and evaluation with real GPS data.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

When successful, the proposed research would lead to new sensing devices for detection and estimation of surface-reflected GPS signals in remote sensing applications such as wave height and salinity studies, delineation of wetlands and monitoring ionospheric total electron content above oceanic area. When built into a satellite-borne instrument, it would offer a new global scale remote sensing tool to infer various geophysical parameters to better understand global warming, ocean-current circulation, and climate change. The technology would go beyond geophysical remote sensing applications into conventional and particularly military receivers enhancement as well as other spread-spectrum communication and measurement devices.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Chun Yang, Ph.D.

Signal & System Technologies

113 Clover Hill Lane

Harleysville , PA 19438 - 1693

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Signal and System Technologies

113 Cloverhill Lane

Harleysville , PA 19438 - 1693

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 12.08-9535 (Chron: 992284 )

PROJECT TITLE

A GPS/Stellar Attitude Control System for Low-Cost Spacecraft

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The area of innovation of this proposal is in cost. We propose to attempt the design of an extremely low-cost spacecraft control and pointing system with, nontheless, high quality pointing accuracy and stability perhaps as good as a few arcseconds. Further we will attempt to design this GN&C system in a way that can be easily adopted by technical communities with small amounts of aerospace infrastructure. The innovative elements of the design, that will lead to a low cost product, come from system engineering design and software design. This innovation is important to NASA in that it will enable the participation of the University community in the space program in a very substantial way. Currently University-class investigators are limited, at best, to supplying an instrument to a government or commercial spacecraft. With this innovation in place, University researchers will have their own access to space with their own spacecraft through NASA's launch programs (e.g. Shuttle HitchHiker and Bantam).

This proposal meets affordability, reduced cost, and reduced complexity requirements from section 12.08 of the solicitation.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

If this proposal indicates feasibility, the intent would be to develop a prototype component set, both hardware and software, in Phase II. Although the space program is typically dominated by government or commercial large-scale activities, we would like to consider the smaller user who is interested in a low cost entry into space research. We will set about this design task in the context of a small organization wanting to construct a small spacecraft for their own use, this organization might be a University wanting to do space research, or a small business looking for a start in space commercialization.

We expect that such a system of components could be made available at an end-user cost which is 10 to 100 times less expensive than current systems with similar performance. We would be designing these components to fit into the budget of a spacecraft that cost only a few hundred thousand dollars.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Josh Skillman

Skilled Systems Inc.

4710 Rosedale Ave

Bethesda , MD 20814 - 3730

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Skilled Systems Inc.

4710 Rosedale Ave

Bethesda , MD 20814 - 3730

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 13.01-0700 (Chron: 991734 )

PROJECT TITLE

High-Output Cryogenic Actuator System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Space-based optics systems require high-authority actuators that can be operated in cryogenic temperatures. The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) has requirements of 6 mm of stroke and 2 nm of resolution at temperatures of ~35K. These systems must be robust to the extreme environment, highly reliable, and compact to meet increasingly more strict size and weight constraints. Few smart materials possess the required energy density or the ability to operate efficiently at cryogenic temperatures. For instance, the performance of piezoceramic materials as well as existing polycrystalline magnetostrictive materials (i.e Terfenol-D) drops off significantly (by ~65% and 95%, respectively) at low temperatures. As such, there is a need for advanced smart materials that are designed to operate in cryogenic environments and provide sufficient actuation authority. In addition, the mechanical design of the actuator system also is extremely important. It is necessary for the actuator to utilize the material in the most efficient way possible given it?s practical limitations. Herein, ACX proposes to develop and characterize a novel, high-efficiency, cryogenic actuation material, as well as develop an actuation system that makes use of the material.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed actuator system would prove useful in a variety of applications which include underwater sonar systems, industrial valves and pumps, and process controls equipment. Industrial valves and pumps that are required to operate in cryogenic temperatures would especially benefit from the proposed program effort.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Ms. Shoko Yoshikawa

Active Control eXperts, Inc.

215 First Street

Cambridge , MA 02142 - 1227

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Active Control eXperts, Inc.

215 First Street

Cambridge , MA 02142 - 1227

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 13.01-5700A (Chron: 991685 )

PROJECT TITLE

A Thin Film Polymer Figuring Process for Composite Mirror Correction

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The objective of this SBIR is to demonstrate feasibility of correcting figure errors on composite mirror substrates by systematic deposition of a thin film polymer. This process is analogous to ion figuring but in reverse. In the proposed process, a polymeric film is added to the mirror surface where needed to correct figure errors. The film is created by flash evaporating an acrylic monomer through a nozzle and e-beam (or UV) polymerizing the monomer

in-situ. The evaporation process occurs under vacuum conditions. Since the evaporation rates are typically orders of magnitude faster than ion figuring removal rates, with proper flow control, a significant cost and time savings could be realized. Since the monomer is cured by electron beam or UV light, the process can occur at room temperature, whereas ion figuring heats the mirror surface adversely affecting some mirror constructions.

Successful execution of this project could provide enabling technology for mirror programs such as FIRST, where ion figuring rates might be too slow to be practical and where thick sacrificial resin coatings (necessary for ion figuring composite mirrors) could adversely effect cryogenic performance. This technology could offer advancements for mirror programs such as FIRST, NGST and LIDAR mirrors.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Many large aperture mirror programs are in need of more efficient and higher performance manufacturing technologies. Many large mirrors such as those needed for the FIRST program could be benefit greatly from this new and innovative figuring technology. COI has identified several new materials and manufacturing approaches that offer an opportunity to produce lightweight, large aperture optics for space systems. Our proposed Phase I SBIR program is an important step in the determination of the feasibility of these new concepts.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

David A. Sheikh

Composite Optics, Incorporated

9617 Distribution Avenue

San Diego , CA 92121 - 2307

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Composite Optics, Incorporated

9617 Distribution Avenue

San Diego , CA 92121 - 2307

PROJECT TITLE: Technology for Large Aperture Membrane Optics

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The objective of the proposed research is to establish the technical viability of a process that will enable production of cast precision membrane structures of virtually unlimited aperture. Very large membrane structures are required for many concepts currently being considered for space-based large telescopes and other NASA science missions. The current state-of-the-art fabrication process for dual curvature (parabolic) shapes, developed by SRS Technologies, requires a single piece mandrel the size of the final membrane structure. SRS has fabricated precision thin film structures of up to 5 meters in diameter using this method. This technique could probably be extended to manufacture components up to approximately twice this size. However, new technology is required to fabricate very large membrane structures that are needed for many future NASA applications. This effort will result in development of a solvent welding technique to join film sections much more reliably and with much less variation in seam material properties than is achievable at this time. Additionally, new mandrel technology will be developed to enable larger films to be cast on lighter weight, less expensive tools.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Very large thin film membrane structures are critical for NASA missions in Solar Thermal Power and many other areas. The technology developed under this effort will focus on enabling construction of very large (>> 10 meter) precision-cast, doubly-curved membranes for future very large aperture space telescopes. However, this is truly a cross-cutting technology development effort. Large doubly-curved membranes are also needed for solar concentrators for solar dynamic or other space power applications, advanced solar thermal propulsion concepts, and many antenna applications. Additionally, the solvent welding technology to be developed has direct application to manufacturing large flat membranes that are required for linear solar concentrators for power generation, solar sails, and star occulters. This effort constitutes a high payoff technology investment due to the wide range of future applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

James D. Moore
SRS Technologies
500 Discovery Drive
Huntsville , AL 35806 - 0000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

SRS Technologies
500 Discovery Drive
Huntsville , AL 35806 - 0000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 13.01-9741 (Chron: 991742 )

PROJECT TITLE

Wavefront Error Determination from Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) Temperatures

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In planned NASA large aperture telescopes such as NGST sensing of the wavefront error due to thermal distortions is essential to controlling image quality. Hardware means for direct wavefront sensing can add significantly to system cost and complexity. Use of the science instrument for wavefront sensing can interfere with science data collection. Our innovation is to use Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) temperatures to indirectly determine Wave Front Error (WFE). The objective is to establish feasibility, to assess practicality, and to quantify potential performance. We propose considering the transformation between a grid of OTA temperature measurements and WFE of the OTA. We will study means for determining this transformation, the required grid of temperature measurements and the resulting accuracy of the WFE estimate in the face of errors and uncertainties. The NGST yardstick design will be used as an example. The result will be an assessment of the feasibility of this technique in the NGST application. This technique may apply to all optical and RF telescopes where the dominant source of WFE during long exposures arises from thermal distortions of the OTA. The benefit is a potentially reliable, low cost means for sensing thermally induced WFEs that require correction.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

This technique, if it is shown to be feasible, could be applied to any government or commercial optical or electromagnetic sensor where correction of thermally induced WFE is required. The feasibility of the technique is likely to be application specific. The commercial application of this technique would need to be tailored to each application. We hope to commercialize this approach to wavefront sensing by developing specialized software techniques for analyzing specific applications and for implementing the wavefront sensing function.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Scott Dixon

Photon Research Associates, Inc.

5720 Oberlin Drive

San Diego , CA 92121 - 1723

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Photon Research Associates, Inc.

5720 Oberlin Drive

San Diego , CA 92121 - 1723

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 14.01-6831 (Chron: 991658 )

PROJECT TITLE

Infrared Spectrometer for Study of Planetary Atmospheres

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Laser spectrometers operating in the mid-infrared spectral region have been used on airplane-based platforms to measure the composition of the Earth?s atmosphere. Because the lasers used in these instruments require cryogenic cooling, these instruments cannot be adapted to the more demanding requirements of a mission to study planetary atmospheres. Other mid-infrared laser sources now under development, including quantum cascade lasers and antimonide diode lasers, also suffer from the need for cryogenic cooling. Our innovation is a compact continuous-wave laser spectrometer which does not require cryogenic cooling and which converts electrical power into optical power efficiently enough to be flown on a planetary mission. At the same time, our instrument will have the sensitivity, selectivity, and response time needed to make quantitative measurements (including isotope ratio measurements) on gases important to the scientific study of planetary atmospheres. During Phase I we will prove feasibility by altering the design of the optical element which produces the mid-infrared radiation is such a way that the conversion efficiency needed for planetary missions is achieved. In Phase II we will prove practicality by producing and delivering a prototype laser spectrometer tailored for detection of a specific gas of importance to NASA planetary scientists.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Our device will be an all solid state, room temperature mid-IR laser spectrometer with applications in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, analytical chemistry, and manufacturing process control.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Douglas J. Bamford

Gemfire Corporation

2471 E. Bayshore Road, Ste. 600

Palo Alto , CA 94303 - 3206

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Gemfire Corporation

2471 E. Bayshore Road, Suite 600

Palo Alto , CA 94303 - 3206

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 14.02-0800 (Chron: 992564 )

PROJECT TITLE

The Low Reaction Force Drill

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

UTD proposes to develop a low reaction force drilling system for use on micro-gravity environments based on UTD's patented Helical Drag Bit technology. The Helical Drag Bit is unique in that it self advances into the hole, and thus does not require a large reaction force. Drilling into the Martian surface will enable measurements essential to answer questions regarding that planet's geologic, hydrologic and climatic evolution. By enabling the quantification of subsurface geochemical environment, UTD's drilling system will permit scientists to answer diverse global questions, such as the chemical nature of the mantle and the details of diurnal and seasonal gas exchange between the atmosphere and the regolith. Although the intended primary target for this device is Mars, it can also be used to explore other planetary bodies for water and organics.

Subsurface drilling technology developed under this SBIR will be directly applicable to NASA's Martian Surveyor missions as well as any future Lunar and outer Solar System missions. Generating the theoretical and empirical knowledge now will enable the future technological breakthroughs necessary to drill much deeper during later missions.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The Low Reaction Force Drill provides its own thrust or "weight on bit." This will directly benefit horizontal drilling operations on earth. UTD predicts that Helical Drag Bit technology will initially be used to extend the horizontal reach in fossil fuel exploration. Current annual horizontal production is around 20 million feet. Over $1B is spent on drill bits each year, of which around ten percent is for horizontal applications. The HDB will be economically viable where greater horizontal reach is desired. UTD has already conducted extensive commercialization exploration in conjunction with the Gas Research Institute to confirm its viability.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

John L. Hill III

UTD Incorporated

10242 Battleview Parkway

Manassas , VA 20109 - 2336

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

UTD Incorporated

10242 Battleview Parkway

Manassas , VA 20109 - 2336

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 15.01-4137 (Chron: 992067 )

PROJECT TITLE

Vapor-Deposited Polyimide for Freestanding Multilayer X-ray Filters

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Freestanding metallized polyimide films have become a standard for soft x-ray filters. The strength and thermal stability of polyimide has been used to advantage in producing increasingly larger and thinner filters. To continue this trend and to improve the durability and throughput of filters for current instruments, it is proposed to develop a new generation of freestanding thin film filter designs by incorporating multilayer techniques. Multilayer films consist of hundreds or thousands of alternating layers, and can be considerably stronger than the component materials. To use this technique for building optical filter foils, the polyimide fabrication process must be changed from a solution-cast method to vapor deposition. Vapor depositing polyimide could have several advantages in x-ray filter fabrication. It would permit the ultrathin layering required for multilayer film construction and would reduce film contamination resulting from vacuum cycling. The use of vapor deposition to produce freestanding polyimide/metal multilayer films may result in even stronger and thinner soft x-ray filters, which would allow larger and higher-performance instruments to be realized.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The ability to produce larger, thinner, and better quality soft x-ray filters will result in more design flexibility for scientists and could lead to significant improvements in instrument resolution and sensitivity. These benefits extend to filters for other spectral regions such as the infrared. Stronger thin foils will find use in pressure or vacuum/gas separation applications such as proportional counter windows. Besides its utility in producing multilayer films, vapor-deposited polyimide could be uniformly applied over non-planar and irregularly shaped objects. This ability is not available using the current spin-coating process. Conformal polyimide coatings could lend resilient, temperature-stable features to filter support meshes, instrument shielding and complex optics.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Glenn Lefever-Button

Luxel Corporation

P.O. Box 1879

Friday Harbor , WA 98250 - 1879

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Luxel Corporation

P.O. Box 1879

Friday Harbor , WA 98250 - 1879

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 15.01-6481 (Chron: 991489 )

PROJECT TITLE

Two-Stage SQUID Amplifiers for Cryogenic Detector Readouts

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal describes an innovative two-stage SQUID-based amplifier and PC-based high-speed feedback electronics without flux modulation for low-impedance cryogenic detector readouts. The proposed amplifier consists of a sensitive input SQUID followed by a coherently modulated output SQUID array. The gain of the second stage is sufficient to allow the amplifier to be directly coupled to a room-temperature preamplifier, thereby eliminating the need for flux modulation and cooled impedance matching circuits and enabling wideband operation. The SQUIDs in the output array are damped to avoid resonances or distortions in the transfer characteristics, which improves the stability of the amplifier and simplifies operation, and enhances the large-signal bandwidth. All SQUID drive signals and loop parameters may be configured remotely via a Windows-based graphical user interface. Multi-channel configurations are supported. This effort directly benefits SEU programs and addresses specific needs for SQUID-based amplifiers for cryogenic detector readouts.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The two-stage SQUID amplifier and PC-based, high-speed feedback electronics will be attractive products for a variety of applications requiring improved sensitivity and wideband operation. Specifically, high-speed readouts are required for cryogenic detector applications using superconducting tunnel junction (STJ), transition edge (TE)

microcalorimeters and magnetic calorimeters. These products will be attractive as well for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy applications. These instrumentation needs represent a substantial market opportunity for the proposed SQUID-based amplifier and high-speed readout development.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Robin Cantor

STAR Cryoelectronics

862 Estates Dr.

Los Alamos , NM 87544 - 2781

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

STAR Cryoelectronics, LLC

862 Estates Dr.

Los Alamos , NM 87544 - 2781

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 15.02-2827A (Chron: 992446 )

PROJECT TITLE

High Gain, Low Noise Silicon MCP Technology

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A new silicon microchannel plate technology is proposed that can significantly improve the performance of particle detectors, astronomical observation instruments and night vision systems. The silicon based technology allows many material systems to be used that cannot be used in traditional glass microchannel plates due to the temperature processing requirements. In particular, the silicon technology allows high secondary yield materials to be used on the front end of the microchannel plate to enhance the first strike statistics, improving both device gain and increasing noise immunity. Phase I will explore front end engineering of silicon microchannel plates by applying a high secondary yield coating to the front end of a silicon microchannel plate. Phase II will further develop the engineering of silicon microchannel plates and investigate the use of other high secondary yield front end coatings.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Silicon microchannel plate technology can be used in a variety of image intensification applications including medical imaging and night vision. New commercial opportunities will open in optical telecommunications as low cost, high performance devices become available.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Charles Beetz

NanoSciences Corporation

83 Prokop Road

Oxford , CT 06478 - 1108

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

NanoSciences Corporation

83 Prokop Road

Oxford , CT 06478 - 1108

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 15.02-6481 (Chron: 991605 )

PROJECT TITLE

Cryogenic Detectors with Advanced, High-Speed Readouts

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal describes three technical innovations in an effort to develop cryogenic detectors for the UV and x-ray regions. Specifically, the development of improved superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) detectors and arrays using advanced process technologies, single-stage SQUID amplifiers with ultra-low input current noise, and fast, wideband feedback electronics based on a novel high-frequency flux modulation technique. These advances are expected to reduce detector costs and improve detector performance, including the ability to detect and resolve very fast signals. The potential for integration to build large-format arrays also is discussed. This effort directly benefits SEU programs and addresses specific needs for cryogenic detectors and arrays with sensitive, high-speed readouts.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The cryogenic detectors and fast readout electronics will directly benefit numerous applications in astrophysics where improved energy resolution and sensitivity are required. In addition, these detectors and readouts will be very attractive for other important applications such as x-ray fluorescence microanalysis and mass spectrometry. The total commercial potential for cryogenic detectors and accompanying readout electronics in these instrumentation markets is substantial.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Robin Cantor

STAR Cryoelectronics

862 Estates Dr.

Los Alamos , NM 87544 - 2781

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

STAR Cryoelectronics, LLC

862 Estates Dr.

Los Alamos , NM 87544 - 2781

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 15.02-7337 (Chron: 991448 )

PROJECT TITLE

Large-Area, Low-Cost, High-Resolution X-ray Detector and Electron Amplifier

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This Phase I Small Business Innovation Research proposal will develop porous dielectrics as a low-cost, large-area detector for high spatial resolution x-ray detection. An alternative to microchannel plates, porous dielectric electron amplifiers are formed by a thin layer, generally less than 1 mm, of a low density dielectric. The microscopic pores formed in such material, provide a natural, but miniaturized, dynode chain for electron amplification when an electric field is applied. An x-ray photon striking the material sets off an avalanche of electrons, creating 100,000 or more electrons per incident photon. However, the small size of the pores along with a preference for propagation in the direction of the electric field result in a limited spread of output electrons from the location of the incident photon. By coupling the porous dielectric to a high resolution anode, we will be able to achieve spatial resolutions of 30 microns or better. Porous dielectrics are easily deposited, which allows the construction of detectors with areas exceeding 100 cm2, at a fraction of the cost of microchannel plates. Phase I work will produce a laboratory area imager to demonstrate the technology, while Phase II will produce commercial prototype x-ray cameras and electron

amplifiers.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

We intend to introduce porous dielectrics as a digital x-ray imager for industrial and medical applications, and as a low cost replacement for microchannel plates. The ability of our detectors to cover large areas inexpensively should open new markets in x-ray imaging of weak signals, including medical applications. We will first introduce the porous dielectrics as an inexpensive alignment, focusing and calibration tool for x-ray imaging and diffraction

systems. From this niche, we hope to expand to replace microchannel plates, photomultiplier tubes, phosphors and other detectors in a range of applications including high spatial-resolution imaging, image intensification and those low-resolution spectroscopy applications that require a large collection area, such as identifying radionucleides.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Charles K. Gary

Adelphi Technology, Inc.

2181 Park Blvd.

Palo Alto , CA 94305 - 1543

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Adelphi Technology, Inc.

2181 Park Blvd.

Palo Alto , CA 94306 - 1543

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 15.02-9492 (Chron: 991813 )

PROJECT TITLE

Superconducting Tunnel Junction Arrays on Membranes for Imaging X-Ray Detectors

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Superconducting tunnel junction X-ray detectors provide high energy resolution (2eV at 70eV, 29eV at 6 keV), high count-rate capability (>10,000 cts/sec) and the ease of use of conventional preamplifiers. They provide a unique set of capabilities unmatched by other detectors that make them attractive for a variety of uses in X-ray microanalysis and astrophysics. In this project we propose to radically improve our devices by developing STJ detectors on thin membranes. If successful, this should almost entirely eliminate the substrate events observed with these devices and improve our overall signal to noise ratio. The design of the detectors developed in this project would provide the foundation of our proposed architecture for large imaging arrays of X-ray spectrometers interfaced to conventional preamplifiers.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The large area, high count-rate capability, high energy resolution, and ease of use of the proposed detectors will make them uniquely suited for commercial application in X-ray microanalysis in SEMs and for X-ray fluorescence. In these applications, these devices will yield about an order of magnitude improvement in resolution over conventional detectors, easily allowing the resolution of X-rays lines of light elements, while providing performance that is otherwise comparable.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Andy Barfknecht

Conductus Inc.

969. W. Maude Ave.

Sunnyvale , CA 94086 - 2802

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Conductus Inc.

969 W. Maude Ave.

Sunnyvale , CA 94086 - 2802

PROJECT TITLE: High Performance Ulraviolet Array Detectors by Micromachining

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In Phase I of the program LEEOAT Company will develop and optimize the design and fabrication process of a high performance, stable, robust and cost-effective UV focal array detector and system for space application, based on LEEOAT Company proprietary micromachining technology. The effort will also include a theoretical modeling of the expected detector and system performance (sensitivity, quantum efficiency, signal/noise, resolution, Modulation Transfer Function). On the basis of the theoretical results, the detector and system components will be optimized. Compatibility of the UV detector and system with present and future space and other commercial applications will be also evaluated in the optimization effort. Finally, LEEOAT Company will estimate the cost/effort of the fabrication and testing of the detector and system to be performed in Phase II of the program.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The development of the cost-effective high-performance miniaturized UV array imager will open a large window of opportunity for commercial, medical and military applications. Estimate commercial market can exceed 200 M per annum.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Eli Wiener-Avnear

LEEOAT Company

2631 Colibri Lane

Carlsbad , CA 92009 - 4304

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

LEEOAT Company

2631 Colibri Lane

Carlsbad , CA 92009 - 4304

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 16.01-0755 (Chron: 992248 )

PROJECT TITLE

Efficient, Ultrastable 1Watt Laser using Ytterbium Fiber Amplifier

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A space-qualifiable laser with extraordinary frequency stability, small size, and high efficiency is required for proposed metrology systems. Nonplanar ring oscillators (NPROs) are the baseline technology for these systems.

NPROs can reach the 1-Watt power required for proposed systems. However, we believe that a system built around a single, high-power NPRO is not the best design. An approach which will have lower linewidth, and lower power consumption, is a low-power NPRO amplified to a power of 1-Watt and greater by an Ytterbium-doped fiber amplifier (YDFA.)

The advantages of an oscillator / amplifier configuration, compared to the conceptually simpler high-power oscillator, are that the frequency stability of lower-power oscillators is better than that of higher-power oscillators, and that Ytterbium fiber amplifiers are about twice as efficient as Neodymium oscillators, primarily because they do not require active cooling of pump diodes. An amplified system would have the good linewidth of the low-power NPRO, but with the low power consumption of the Ytterbium fiber amplifier. The goal of the proposed research program would be to experimentally demonstrate a laser source with the power, frequency stability and efficiency needed for use in a space-borne interferometer.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

There are two major in-space applications for highly coherent lasers with output powers near 1 Watt. The first is interferometry, such as for gravitational wave detection or precision distance measurement. An important likely commercial application which needs an almost identical laser source is satellite-to-satellite coherent communication.

The Teledesic "internet in the sky" program will probably use coherent 1.064-µm optical inter-satellite links.

For a coherent communication link, each of these links would have one high-power source for the transmitter and one low-power source for the receiver local oscillator. Each source would be based on an NPRO oscillator. The high-power sources would be NPRO lasers amplified by YDFAs. The laser source for the communication laser would be essentially identical with the interferometry source. The Teledesic system is expected to require over one thousand such lasers. By using an identical architecture for its system, NASA will get a more reliable product less expensively than if it developed a laser meeting only the unique needs of NASA.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Thomas J. Kane

Lightwave Electronics

2400 Charleston Rd

Mountain View , CA 94043 - 1630

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Lightwave Electronics

2400 Charleston Rd

Mountain View , CA 94043 - 1630

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 16.01-2786 (Chron: 991853 )

PROJECT TITLE

High-Accuracy 200 mm Siderostat

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The proposed innovations are major improvements to existing fine-steering mirror (FSM) actuator and sensor technology for NASA applications such as ST-3 and SIM. Mass of the FSM mechanism is reduced by up to 25%. Simultaneous improvements in power consumption and lateral load capability are also featured. The first innovation involves the use of LHDC's efficient CS actuator technology for FSM actuation. Innovation #2 is the incorporation of advanced sensors having increased accuracy. The result is reduced mass, acceleration, and power as well as the improved accuracy of interferometric and optical encoder sensors without compromise to mirror surface figure quality.

Benefits for JPL's ST-3 program include: improved global and small-range accuracy, lower cost than previous FSM, lower mass for lower launch costs and a simpler support structure. Line-of-sight stabilization can be done with only a few mW of actuator power and it can be launched without a mechanical caging mechanism for increased reliability. Additional benefits for other space-based applications include: extended travel, chopping or dither functions can be performed at higher frequencies and larger amplitudes with lower power for improved images.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Although designed for JPL?s ST-3 mission, primary applications of the FO150-35-FS also include space-based imaging and spectrometry missions. In the near term, JPL?s DS4/Champollion program and JSC?s program to replace the Space Transprtation System?s (STS) Rendezvous Radar can also benefit from this technology.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Lawrence M. Germann

Left Hand Design Corporation

7901 Oxford Road

Longmont , CO 80503 - 8704

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Left Hand Design Corporation

7901 Oxford Road

Longmont , CO 80503 - 8704

PROJECT TITLE: Chemically Stable 5V Cathode Materials for Lithium and Lithium-ion Batteries

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Lithium-ion batteries, successfully commercialized by the Japanese, have found an important niche in powering consumer electronics products such as laptop computers and cellular phones. Nonetheless, lithium and lithium-ion batteries with both higher voltage and higher specific energies are required for 21st Century applications by NASA and our domestic aerospace industry. Preliminary work at Covalent has demonstrated that 5V cathode materials with enhanced safety characteristics and improved energy densities may be synthesized by a simple route which is amenable to industrial scale-up. In Phase I we will synthesize, characterize and demonstrate both cycle life and high specific capacities of these novel materials.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Stable, high voltage transition metal oxide cathode materials with theoretical specific energies in excess of 1200 Wh/kg are the key to advanced lithium and Li-ion batteries for both military and commercial applications. Such batteries will be employed in portable computers, hand held communication devices, satellites and electric vehicles.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Victor R. Koch, Ph.D.

Covalent Associates, Inc.

10 State Street

Woburn , MA 01801 - 6820

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Covalent Associates. Inc.

10 State Street

Woburn , Ma 01801 - 6820

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.01-2100 (Chron: 991744 )

PROJECT TITLE

High Efficiency InGaAsN Solar Cells

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This Phase I program addresses the need for solar cells with greater than 30% efficiency for use as power sources for satellite systems operating in air mass zero (AM0) solar radiation. SVT Associates proposes to meet this need by developing a tandem cell composed of InGaAsN (1eV), GaAs (1.4 eV) and InGaP (1.85 eV) lattice matched to GaAs substrates. A projected efficiency of 38% would be obtained from this tandem cell. The key innovation of this device is the deposition of the InGaAsN material. This will be done using an atomic nitrogen source and an unique surfactant to enhance the growth process. We will team up for this program with Prof. W. I. Wang's group at Columbia University who has extensive experience with the growth of InGaAsN for laser applications. Bulk films and PN structures will be deposited and characterize. The quantum efficiency of InGaAsN diodes will be measured and used to estimate the efficiency of the tandem cell.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed three-junction solar cell could be used to reduce the area and weight of space based power production. It could be used for high concentration terrestrial applications where both the efficiency and the high temperature characteristics of the material can be exploited.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. James M.Van Hove

SVT Associates, Inc.

7620 Executive Drive

Eden Prairie , MN 55344 - 3677

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

SVT Associates/BLMD, Inc.

7620 Executive Drive

Eden Prairie , MN 55344 - 3677

PROJECT TITLE: Energy Dense Alkaline Capacitors based on Nanoparticle Technology

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

High surface area transition metal nitrides constitute an attractive approach towards low-cost, high-performance electrochemical capacitors as energy sources for a variety of applications. However, current NASA uses and other commercial applications require higher performance figures than those demonstrated by present technology. This is due in part to (i) low surface area deriving from large particle formation and densification in current fabrication processes; (ii) low conductivity due to the formation of oxides during synthesis, which result in poor electrochemical and cycling stability; and (iii), corrosion of commonly used current collectors.

In Phase I, we propose to fabricate and characterize electrochemical capacitors where selected nitride nanoparticles will make both the electrode material and current collector, The oxide-free nanoparticles will have a high surface area and conductivity, and will be used in a tight packaging configuration using novel lightweight, flexible, corrosion resistant and easily sealable current collectors in conjunction with an alkaline electrolyte. Energy density of the proposed innovation is expected to be more than double that of existing capacitors. High energy density and power density prototypes will be built at the end of Phase II in collaboration with Evans Capacitor Company and will be used for marketing during the Phase III program.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Use of low cost, high performance capacitors based on high surface area transition metal nitrides and alkaline electrolytes combined with low resistance, flexible and non corroding current collectors can be envisioned in automotive applications and backup power devices, and for providing large pulses in portable consumer electronics such as computers, displays and camcorders. High voltage devices such as hospital defibrillators and "smart" missiles will benefit from such a development.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Matt Aldissi

Fractal Systems, Inc.

14200 Carlson Circle

Tampa , FL 33626 - 3001

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Fractal Systems, Inc.

14200 Carlson Circle

Tampa , FL 33626 - 3001

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.01-7732 (Chron: 991461 )

PROJECT TITLE

Microfabricated Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell Arrays

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation (SPEC), in collaboration with Dr. Richard Lagow of the University of Texas at Austin plan to develop a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell based on microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Bulk and surface micromachining of silicon will be used to prepare microelectrode array structures that utilize improved catalytic properties of metallic nanoparticles grown directly on multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The new catalyst phase will contain very small dimension metallic particles with

high surface to volume ratio that are uniformly dispersed in a carbon nanotube matrix.

The MEMS platform offers a number of significant advantages over traditional PEM fuel cells including the capacity to greatly reduce the manufacturing cost and weight through batch fabrication, much greater control of deposition and infusion of catalytic and ionomeric layers, efficient electrical and thermal management through the utilization of the mature field of silicon microelectronics, and the capacity to scale the size of the cells for uses

ranging from on-chip power sources for MEMS applications to very large scale wafer-stacked stationary power sources.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Within the past decade, a renewed interest in hydrogen as a fuel source has been spurred by a number of factors including increased governmental demand for reduction of harmful environmental pollutants and technological advances in catalysis and proton conducting membranes that enable the production of all solid state fuel cells with conversion efficiencies greater than 50%. Fuel cells make for attractive alternatives with a number of significant advantages over internal combustion engines, except for higher manufacturing costs due to expensive catalyst materials. These include zero environmentally harmful emissions, and noise free operation, mean time between forced outages of 2,400 hours, and operating costs of 25% to 40% lower than conventional energy sources.

Developing new techniques to reduce the cost limiting factors of fuel cells is sure to foster fuel cell introduction as a bona fide energy source into the world economy.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Steve Savoy, Ph.D.

Systems & Processes Engineering Corp.

101 West 6th Street, Suite 200

Austin , TX 78701 - 2932

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Systems & Processes Engineering Corp.

101 West 6th Street, Suite 200

Austin , TX 78701 - 2932

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.01-8433A (Chron: 992405 )

PROJECT TITLE

Attitude Control for Satellite Flywheel Energy Storage Systems

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Integration of two primary, housekeeping functions aboard all satellites is possible with the entrance of the flywheel energy storage system. The energy storage function is easily identifiable. The enabling technology that allows the storage and retrieval of electrical energy in this system is the ability to rotate a flywheel rotor at very high rotational rates. Accelerating the flywheel rotor with an electric motor changes the electrical energy into angular momentum.

Converting the stored angular momentum in the rotor back to electrical energy is accomplished using the same electric motor as a generator. The second housekeeping function that is implied by the conversion of electrical energy to angular momentum is the attitude control function usually associated additional hardware aboard the satellite. The attitude control function normally relies on a combination of momentum wheels, control moment gyroscopes and attitude adjustment thrusters. USFS proposes to eliminate both the electro-chemical battery system and any existing attitude control system hardware by incorporating both functions into a single Momentum and Energy Storage Subsystem. User requirements, present flywheel technology capabilities and gimbal systems are combined integrating the energy storage and attitude control housekeeping functions required by most satellites.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The suggested substitution of a Momentum and Energy Storage Subsystem into future satellite programs sponsored by the NASA relates equally well with both Department of Defense and the growing telecommunications industries? future satellite programs. The potential savings in launch weight and volume will allow all satellite programs to realize the payback in proceeding beyond the SBIR Phase II program. Improvements in the total system life are also significant USFS has a unique competitive advantage as one of the oldest and most advanced flywheel companies in the United States (over 20 years? experience). The company is on its 3rd generation FESS design; the prior two have demonstrated success in all objectives. USFS has been selected as the flywheel contractor to develop hardware for the planned International Space Station flight test experiment.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Robert A. Johnson

US Flywheel Systems

1125-A Business Center Circle

Newbury Park , CA 91320 - 1186

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

US Flywheel Systems

1125 Business Center Circle, Suite A

Newbury Park , CA 91320 - 1186

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.01-8681 (Chron: 991486 )

PROJECT TITLE

High Performance Space Radiator Development (kTC P912)

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

k Technology Corporation (kTC) proposes to develop a high performance satellite radiator material system that satisfies both structural and thermal management requirements. The proposed material system has a honeycomb core with carbon fiber composite encapsulated thermal pyrolytic graphite (TPG) face sheets. The encapsulated TPG face sheets have high conductivity (up to 1300 W/mK), low mass density (2.0 g/cm3), and high stiffness (40.3 Msi).

The proposed honeycomb structure using the high performance encapsulated TPG skins will have all the benefits of carbon fiber composite skinned honeycomb structures (high stiffness and low mass) with the addition of extremely high thermal conductivity. Such a material system efficiently satisfies the thermal management and structural requirements of satellite radiator structures. This material system will allow higher payload mass fractions because

of the significant weight savings afforded by integrating both the thermal and structural subsystems into one system.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The carbon fiber encapsulated TPG honeycomb material to be demonstrated under this program would have applications in the commercial satellite market, as well as the obvious military and NASA uses.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mark J. Montesano

k Technology Corporation

500 Office Center Drive, Suite 250

Fort Washington , PA 19034 - 3216

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

k Technology Corporation

500 Office Center Drive, Suite 250

Fort Washington , PA 19034 - 3216

PROJECT TITLE: FAST-ION-CONDUCTING Solid Electrolyte for Flexible Battery based on Polyoxometal

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

There is a need for development of solid-state rechargeable lithium polymer batteries with both high voltage and high energy density as a new type of energy supply. When a solid polymer electrolyte is introduced into an Li/polymer battery system, an ultrathin battery with high energy density can be realized due to the merits of the polymer material, including its light weight and flexible form. For a solid-state battery system, a main need is improvement of the ionic conductivity of the solid polymer electrolyte. Another problem is the poor low-temperature (and room temperature) ion conductivity of most polymer electrolytes. In this proposal, an entirely new type of organometallic polymer material with high cation conductivity and high Li+ concentration will be developed. The conductivity of the lithium cations will not be affected by the Tg of the polymer. It is a "single ion" conductor. Li-cations are the only movable ions in the polymer system, the anion are not movable and are an integral part of the polymer backbone. This polymer offers the flexibility of a polymer material so that it will be compatible with continuous manufacturing processes based on laminate packaging technology.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Mechanical heat switches are a critical component of sub-kelvin refrigeration systems such as ADRs. An efficient, high conductance switch enables more efficient heat flow and disengagement and thereby reduces the number for cascaded stages of refrigeration required to achieve a desired cooling capability. ADRs are a critical component on such space missions as the upcoming Constellation-X mission and future space telescopes such as STEPS where the detectors and instruments are being cooled to sub-kelvin temperatures to increase their sensitivity.

Heat switches can be used in cryocooler systems to reduce the cooling time by Solid electrolyte has wide applications in battery, supercapacitor, oxide-based solar cell, electrochromic devices, fuel cell, sensors and other electrochemical devices.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Yuhong Huang 
Chemat Technology, Inc.
 9036 Winnetka Ave. 
Northridge , CA 91324 -

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Chemat Technology, Inc. 
9036 Winnetka Ave. 
Northridge , CA 91324

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.02-0655 (Chron: 991963 )

PROJECT TITLE

Highly Efficient DC-DC Converter Using Matrix Components and Intelligent Control

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will result in a family of very high efficiency DC-DC converters utilizing smart control circuitry which will enable the implementation of emerging low voltage logic family trends for space systems. To address the need for efficient power conversion from higher voltage power busses to lower power electronics, American Research Corporation of Virginia proposes the development of DC-DC matrix component converters employing intelligent control. The proposal is innovative by integrating the matrix component converter topology, where each component type can be scaled to maintain performance specifications over a wide range of voltages and loads with intelligent control circuitry minimizing power and allowing load sharing, redundancy, hot swappability, back up modes, reduction in input ripple and condition reporting. Phase I Technical Objectives include design of an innovative power circuit topology to fulfill requirements for future space DC-DC converter power needs; design of suitable control electronics to meet load, regulation and bandwidth ranges; validation of the design by computer simulation; and circuit optimization and development of a radiation-hardened engineering model. Results of the Phase I project will quantitatively validate the design feasibility, and provide the basis for refinement, miniaturization and packaging in Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Successful completion of the program objectives will fill a major power conversion gap as higher performance electronics tend toward lower operating voltages. The proposed technology will meet emerging requirements in the spacecraft environment as well as similar power management commercial applications in automobiles, aircraft, communications and digital computers.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mr. Howard J. Moses

American Research Corp. of Virginia

1509 Fourth Street, P.O. Box 3406

Radford , VA 24143 - 3406

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

American Research Corp. of Virginia

1509 Fourth Street, P.O. Box 3406

Radford , VA 24143 - 3406

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.02-4437 (Chron: 991978 )

PROJECT TITLE

Novel High Temperature Dielectrics for High Energy Density Capacitors

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The next generation of energy storage capacitors for power management and distribution will necessitate improvements in material efficiency, energy density, and temperature reliability. Similar performance issues are driving the consumer electronics market towards the development of high capacitance, low voltage, and small volume capacitors. These two market needs can be met by a single product which addresses the mutual concerns for

high temperature stability and improved electrical performance. TPL proposes the development of a dielectric having over a two-fold increase in energy storage density with improved thermal stability, operating temperatures >500K (227 C). A composite system is proposed consisting of two novel materials; FPE polymer developed by 3M possessing excellent thermal stability and high energy density, and surface functionalized, nano-size titanate powders developed by TPL. Capacitor grade film of the polymer and composite materials will be fabricated and evaluated with regard to critical electrical performance parameters.

TPL has extensive experience in dielectric polymers and hydrothermal titanate ceramics, including the development of doping methods to produce 50 nm powders with flattened frequency and temperature response. Expertise in these two areas, in conjunction with industrial partners, will be used to develop dual-use materials to satisfy the mutual needs of military and consumer products

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The new polymer and composites film materials will be targeted at the $2.5B film capacitor market. Specific for high temperature capacitors, under hood automotive applications and down hole well drilling applications will be targeted. In addition to film capacitors, the material will have potential for use in high temperature adhesives and loaded composites for vehicle repairs. The functionalized hydrothermal nano-size powders will be marketed in the $3.2B multilayer ceramic capacitor market. The narrow segment of this market is growing at a 50% annual rate.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Kirk M. Slenes, M.S.

TPL, Inc.

3921 Academy Parkway North, NE

Albuquerque , NM 87109 - 4416

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

TPL, Inc.

3921 Academy Parkway North, NE

Albuquerque , NM 87109 - 4416

PROJECT TITLE: Thermally Controlled Chip-In-Board Substrate for Integrated Circuit Packaging

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The AMT Chip-In-Board (CIB) electronics packaging concept offers a high performance, low-profile thermal management solution for miniaturized, high power dissipating electronics products. The tailorable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of this passive thermal management approach will also allow for high heat producing, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components to be integrated into reliability-critical applications, such as military spacecraft and avionics products. The advent of faster, higher performance level lectronics components, i.e. microprocessors, has resulted in an increasing need for more effective means of removing heat from the component. Without adequate thermal management, allowing a processor chip, for instance, to operate at temperatures higher than its rated limit will result in intermittent logic errors and early failure, even sudden, irreversible failure. Conventional thermal management methods include heat sinks and heat pipes bonded to the "backside" of the heat- producing electronic component. This is often a bulky or complex result. The CIB approach will allow for a surface mount (SMT) component to be "flipped over" and either wirebonded or solder "bumped" to a circuit substrate with a high thermal conductivity core. This "flipped" SMT component will be mated directly to the core, which will provide a direct pathway for heat to escape.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The commercial potential for this extends beyond military space and avionics into high power dissipating, size-limited consumer electronics products, such as next generation notebook computers, personal communications devices, and increasingly sophisticated automobile engine, brake, and handling (i.e. accident avoidance, traction control, anti-skid) control electronics.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Eyan Lee 
Applied Material Technologies, Inc. 
3611 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 225 
Santa Ana , CA 92704 - 6928

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Applied Material Technologies, Inc. 
3611 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 225 
Santa Ana , Ca 92704 - 6928

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.03-1541 (Chron: 991475 )

PROJECT TITLE

High Temperature Coils for Electrical Machines

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposal addresses the development of reliable, inexpensive, high temperature coils for electrical machinery in future aircraft propulsion systems. The innovation lies in a novel configuration featuring a helical conductor and ceramic insulation material formed into a compact block. For a typical coil geometry, the dielectric breakdown voltage will be a factor of 25 higher than possible with current approaches. The fabrication cost is

estimated to be about 25% of state-of-the-art high temperature coils. The proposed concept will enable the development of high temperature magnetic bearings, motors, generators, and actuators that will be found in More Electric Aircraft (MEA).

In Phase I, the feasibility will be demonstrated with design studies and proof-of-concept tests. The system will be built and tested in a high speed, high temperature engine rig in Phase II.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Magnetic bearings, generators, and actuators integrated into future gas turbine engines will require high temperature coils. These machines would be sold to engine manufacturers.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Victor Iannello

Synchrony Inc.

7777 Bent Mountain Rd

Roanoke , VA 24018 - 1111

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Synchrony Inc.

7777 Bent Mountain Rd

Roanoke , VA 24018 - 1111

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.03-4085 (Chron: 991765 )

PROJECT TITLE

Oxidation Resistant CVI-C/SiC Composites via Molecular Level Matrix Inhibition

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites produced by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) are actively being developed for a variety of high-temperature aerospace applications. Although CVI-based C/SiC composites are a promising class of materials for structural applications demanding high strength and toughness at temperatures to 1650 C, these materials are vulnerable to severe strength degradation when exposed to oxidizing environments above 425 C for prolonged periods. This limitation is due to the inherent process-induced matrix microcracks resulting from the large thermal expansion mismatch between the fiber and the matrix. These matrix cracks enable rapid intrusion of the environment which accelerates the degradation of the compliant fiber coating and/or reinforcing fiber, thus limiting the useful life of the component.

The objective of this Phase I program is to investigate the feasibility of an oxidation- resistant C/SiC utilizing both fiber-level and molecularly-integrated matrix-level oxidation inhibition technology. Laminated C/SiC plates will be fabricated incorporating a duplex fiber coating system consisting of a ~0.4 µm pyrolytic carbon (PyC) layer to promote strength and toughness, followed by a boron carbide (B4C) oxidation-barrier layer, and densified with a ~10 v/o boron-enriched silicon carbide inhibited matrix produced by CVI co- deposition. Test samples will be prepared and experimentally evaluated in high- temperature static stressed oxidation environments. Results will be compared to "baseline" conventionally-processed C/SiC composites to establish the viability of the proposed approach.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Fiber reinforced ceramics are an enabling class of engineered materials for a variety of thermostructural applications in chemical and advanced rocket propulsion thrust chambers, nozzles, throat inserts and related components, hypersonic airframe thermal protection systems, spacecraft re-entry heatshields, aero-propulsion, stationary turbine and power generation components, radiant burner and heat exchanger tubes, and other industrial applications.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Robert J. Shinavski

Hyper-Therm High-Temperature Composites, Inc.

18411 Gothard Street Unit B

Huntington Beach , CA 92648 - 1208

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Hyper-Therm High-Temp. Comp. Inc.

18411 Gothard Street Unit B

Huntington Beach , CA 92648 - 1208

PROJECT TITLE: Simulation Based Design System for Thermal Barrier Coatings

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) represent a critical technology for both aerospace and land based turbine applications. As the need to develop greater engine efficiencies in aircraft engines and land-based turbines continues to grow, the requirements imposed on TBC applications become increasingly more demanding. The development of quantivative design criteria and methods of assessing combined material effects becomes more difficult as both the number and complexity of potential TBC material constituents expands. This proposal Focuses on the development of a simulation based design tool to assist TBC designers in assessing the potential performance implications of a given set of TBC material design options. This tool will consist of a set of both finite element modeling modules and a design optimization package, allowing the designer to accurately determine the quantitative perfomance of a given TBC material system, and adding an additional level of sophistication to the design process by providing a means of visualizing the development and evolution of internal stress fields within a given TBC. The optimization software package will promote more rapid determination of optimal design criteria from a given set of potential design combinations, and thus promote the development of more cost efficient physical testing plans.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

This software system will permit designers for the first time to rapidly visualize the material mechanisms at work in a given TBC system, as well as provide a means of developing an optimized design scheme based on Simulated predictions of the performance of a given set of design options. Simulation based cracking assessment will provide an additional design criteria for predicting potential TBC life. Economically, the proposed design tool will Provide substantial finacial benefit in terms of reducing very costly physical testing, by allowing designers to optimize the physical testing design matrix to maximum efficiency.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

B. Lynn Ferguson 
Deformation Control Technology Inc. 
7261 Engle Road 
Suite 105 
Cleveland , OH   44130 - 3479

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Deformation Control Technology Inc.
 7261 Engle Road
 Suite 105 
Cleveland , OH   44130 - 3479

PROJECT TITLE: Automated Thermal Control Design Synthesis and Characterization

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In the last 40 years, hundreds of person-years have been spent by NASA and others developing software that accurately predicts the behavior of complex thermo/fluid/structural systems. In the last 15 years, these tools have been made easier to use with graphical user interfaces and increased connectivity between codes. However, almost all of this investment has been made in point design simulation tools: given a specific design, the software predicts how the design will perform under a specific set of conditions. This approach has become so engrained that most engineers have forgotten that what?s needed is precisely the opposite: given performance requirements and goals, find the best performing design. Moreover, environmental conditions and many performance characteristics are rarely known exactly, but rather statistically: a single point design evaluation is by itself nearly meaningless.

Fortunately, prior investment in infrastructure can be applied to the next generation of tools that we propose to build.

Variability is the key to the success of future design tools. Parametric CAD systems are becoming the norm, but most mechanical analysis tools have not kept pace. We led the way in NASA?s standard thermal control analyzer, even introducing built-in design optimization and data correlation modules. Now it is time for the next step. We will develop a means for characterizing designs statistically, allowing a designer to understand the risks in any design along with the cost of reducing those risks. We will also develop advanced statistical design synthesis tools that can handle difficult tasks such as selection problems and complex objectives.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Previously developed thermal/fluid design optimization tools are already being successfully commercialized, and concurrent developments are targeting optimized thermal/structural integration of electronic packaging. The commercial demands for high-level design optimization tools will assure the commercialization of the resulting software, including the results of the Phase I project.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

 Brent A. Cullimore

Cullimore and Ring Technologies, Inc.

9 Red Fox Lane

Littleton , CO 80127 - 5710

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

 Cullimore and Ring Technologies, Inc.

9 Red Fox Lane

Littleton , CO 80127 - 5710 
 

PROJECT TITLE: A Linear-Drive Pulse Tube Cooler for Applications Below 6K

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Various planned NASA missions depend on the availability of reliable and efficient coolers that achieve temperatures below 6K. These coolers are needed as the upper stage for lower temperature coolers such as dilution refrigerators or adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators. Astronomical missions utilize such low temperatures to enhance infrared detector sensitivity and to cool optics. Low temperature cryocoolers form an indispensable part of astronomical missions which require long-term cooling of detectors (e.g. bolometers). Without active coolers the duration of cryogenic missions is limited by the size of the cryogen that can be incorporated in the respective space missions.

A pulse tube cooler (PTC) driven by a long-life linear compressor embodies the high reliability and low vibration required in space missions. The absence of cold moving parts reduces wear and vibration and increases reliability which makes PTCs ultimately suited for space. Single-stage PTCs, driven by linear compressors and with a porous, stainless steel regenerator matrix, have achieved no-load temperatures below 50K. To provide cooling at lower temperatures the PTC requires additional stages with regenerators made from high heat capacity materials. The innovation we propose involves development of a multistage PTC driven by a linear compressor that achieves temperatures below 6K.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The ability to couple a rugged, small, potentiostat, with a variety of analytical voltammetric and stripping techniques, including pH, temperature and profiling, traditionally left for the lab bench, makes this instrument a truly exciting tool for the researcher. This is a very opportune time for the development of such a device, in light of the growing need from the oceanographic, environmental and planetary communities (see attached letters).

Cryopumps for semiconductor manufacturing Superconducting magnets for MRI systems Superconducting magnets in maglev trains SQUID magnetometers for heart and brain studies

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Ben Helvensteijn

Atlas Scientific

713 San Conrado Ter. #1

Sunnyvale , CA 94086 - 2525

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Atlas Scientific

713 San Conrado Ter. #1

Sunnyvale , CA 94086 - 2525

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.04-3800D (Chron: 991862 )

PROJECT TITLE

Ultra-Compact Heat Exchangers for Space-Borne Cryocoolers

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Low-temperature cryocooler systems need recuperative heat exchangers with extremely high-thermal effectiveness (0.997 or greater) to achieve cooling in the 10 K range. For space-borne cryocoolers for sensor cooling, these recuperators must also be compact, lightweight, and cause minimal pressure losses in the gas stream. To meet these challenging requirements, we propose to develop a radial flow heat exchanger (RFHX) fabricated from advanced materials. These advanced materials must have an optimal combination of thermal conductivity, strength, and formability to create a highly efficient RFHX recuperator. During Phase I, we will prove the feasibility of an ultra-high efficiency recuperator by (1) demonstrating key steps in the fabrication process using advanced materials, (2) producing a conceptual design of the RFHX, and (3) performing cryocooler system trade studies that demonstrate the performance benefits of advanced materials.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Advanced materials will enable sensor cryocooling systems that are compact, lightweight, and consume minimal power. Government applications include space-based sensors for reconnaissance and missile-defense systems, aircraft oxygen generating systems, and field hospitals. Commercial applications include oxygen production for medical purposes and laboratory- and industrial-scale cryogenic refrigeration and gas liquefaction systems.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Michael G. Izenson

Creare Incorporated

PO Box 71, Etna Road

Hanover , NH 03755 - 0071

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Creare Incorporated

P.O. Box 71, Etna Road

Hanover , NH 03755 - 0071

PROJECT TITLE: A detachable heat switch for ADRs

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Energen, Inc. proposes to develop and demonstrate a high conductance detachable thermal link for operation at sub-Kelvin temperatures using high force, long stroke cryogenic magnetostrictive actuators. Such mechanical heat switches are an important component for calorimeters and adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators (ADRs) which are increasingly being considered for instrumentation and detector cooling. In Phase I of this effort, Energen will design, build and test a prototype heat switch for sub-kelvin operation based on magnetostrictive materials.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Mechanical heat switches are a critical component of sub-kelvin refrigeration systems such as ADRs. An efficient, high conductance switch enables more efficient heat flow and disengagement and thereby reduces the number for cascaded stages of refrigeration required to achieve a desired cooling capability. ADRs are a critical component on such space missions as the upcoming Constellation-X mission and future space telescopes such as STEPS where the detectors and instruments are being cooled to sub-kelvin temperatures to increase their sensitivity.

Heat switches can be used in cryocooler systems to reduce the cooling time by using the higher capacity of upper stages. Present solution are not detachable and therefore represent a continuous heat leak to the lower stages thereby reducing net cooling capacity.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Chad H. Joshi

Energen, Inc.

17 D Sterling Road

Billerica , MA 01862 - 2518

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Energen, Inc.

17 D Sterling Road

Billerica , MA 01862 - 2518

PROJECT TITLE: An Innovative Regenerator for Temperatures Below 20 Kelvin

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The pulse tube cycle, using the inertance tube concept, is currently one of the most efficient regenerative cryocoolers. In addition, the absence of cryogenic moving parts eliminates both the principal life-limiting elements and the main source of vibrations. If the operating range of the pulse tube is to be extended below 20K, improvements in regenerator performance are necessary. In the proposed effort, neodymium perforated plates will be fabricated. Previous analysis and laboratory measurements have shown these to have high potential, but fabrication difficulties have been a barrier. The proposal covers an innovative fabrication method that should overcome these barriers, and make the high performance regenerator concept available for testing. In Phase I we propose to fabricate a neodymium composite rod that can be cut and etched into perforated plates. The plates will have a passage diameter of 30 microns, an open area of 10% and an overall diameter of 25.4 mm. The plate thickness caan be selected during the slicing process. The plates can be tested in various cryocooler systems in a Phase II follow-on program.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS fall in two areas. For aerospace applications, the concept could lead to a reduction in cryocooler input power to cool a specified load by 50% or more. This power savings could result in significant savings in spacecraft weight and cost. For commercial applications, the concept could lead to a doubling of the refrigeration capacity of helium temperature Gifford-McMahon cryocoolers. These are widely used as shield coolers on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. Both the applications have a relatively high "value added" and could sustain a small production facility. In both cases, the new regenerator concept will be a direct replacement for regenerators using existing technology. Therefore, if the proposed effort is successful, a market for the material can be developed rapidly.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

John B. Hendricks 
Alabama Cryogenic Engineering, Inc. 
PO Box 2470 
Huntsville , AL   35804 - 2470

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Alabama Cryogenic Engineering, Inc. 
PO Box 2470 
Huntsville , AL   35804 - 2470

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.04-8681 (Chron: 991511 )

PROJECT TITLE

High Performance Low Temperature Space Radiator (kTC P914)

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The observation missions for the New Millennium Program will utilize new materials and sensor technologies that will require cooling to temperatures in the 40K to 150K range. A space radiator with high conductivity at low temperatures that is lightweight and has high stiffness is required. The opportunity presented in this Phase I proposal is to demonstrate a space radiator that will have high conductivity (>1800 W/mK) in the temperature region of interest (40K to 150K) and low density (< 2.0 g/cm3). Immediate payoffs include significant weight reductions and greater efficiency. This approach can also be used to improve the performance of low CTE optical benches; lightweight CTE matched heat spreaders for heat pipe evaporator and condenser ends, and thermal cores for electronic assemblies. These payoffs will allow for increased reliability and support the trend toward smaller less expensive satellites.

The proposed material system is a macrocomposite comprised of thermal pyrolytic graphite (TPG) encapsulated within a carbon fiber composite structural shell. The pyrolytic graphite, TPG, is a unique form of graphite manufactured by decomposition of a hydrocarbon gas at high temperature in a vacuum furnace. TPG is highly aligned crystalline graphite with an in-plane thermal conductivity of 3000 W/mK at 120K. This is nearly 10 times the conductivity of copper. A radiator constructed of this material will provide high performance at a minimum

weight.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The carbon fiber encapsulated TPG material to be demonstrated under this program would have applications in the commercial satellite market, as well as the obvious military and NASA uses.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mark J. Montesano

k Technology Corporation

500 Office Center Drive, Suite 250

Fort Washington , PA 19034 - 3216

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

k Technology Corporation

500 Office Center Drive, Suite 250

Fort Washington , PA 19034 - 3216

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.05-3930 (Chron: 992355 )

PROJECT TITLE

An Innovative Non-Catalytic Thruster for Satellite Attitude Control Systems

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The innovation addressed in this proposal is the development of a non-catalytic thruster for an attitude control system that employs an environmentally friendly ("green") monopropellant. The thruster and tailored propellant blends developed during the course of this proposed program would eliminate the temperature-limiting catalyst beds that currently prevent the full realization of green monopropellant performance and impede wide-scale commercial and military replacement of toxic propellants. Adroit Systems, Inc. (ASI) and its industry partners propose to develop and implement a space propulsion system that would dramatically reduce the launch and operational costs of future satellites, bolstering US industrial competitiveness in the global marketplace. Benefits to the commercial spacecraft community include increased mission payloads, decreased procurement and launch costs, and improved mission reliability.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The primary commercial and military market of interest is satellite attitude control systems. In addition, the technology could see widespread application in launch vehicle attitude control systems and auxiliary power units.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Mr. Tom Bratkovich

Adroit Systems, Inc.

411 108th Avenue NE Suite 1080

Bellevue , WA 98004 - 5554

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Adroit Systems, Inc.

411 108th Avenue NE Suite 1080

Bellevue , WA 98004 - 5554

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.05-5565 (Chron: 991565 )

PROJECT TITLE

A High Isp Hall Thruster for Advanced In-Space Propulsion

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Ambitious near Earth and interplanetary missions require long life, high efficiency, high Isp primary propulsion. To address this need, Busek proposes to develop a Hall thruster with increased performance, reduce mass, reduced complexity and lower cost over state-of-the-art ion propulsion systems. In Phase I, using an existing nominally 2 kW thruster we propose to evaluate several innovative methods of achieving high efficiency, high Isp performance,

including two-stage thruster concepts. Also in Phase I we will design a two-stage magnetics thruster to be built and tested in Phase II. Achieving the targeted 3200 sec Isp, 100 mN thrust at 2.3 kW thruster input power will result in a significant reduction in propulsion system wet mass at higher thrust density than grided ion engines.

In Phase II, the most promising approach for achieving the targeted performance will be selected for further optimization. At the conclusion of Phase II, Busek will deliver to NASA an advanced laboratory prototype thruster for independent performance testing.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

A high Isp, high efficiency Hall thruster will find application as primary propulsion to perform aggressive space science and near earth missions, including orbit topping, repositioning and station keeping. The two-stage thruster concept can be applied over a wide range of thruster powers including very high power (>50 kW) Hall thrusters for affordable in-space transportation. In addition, the high Isp Hall thruster can achieve keV level ion energies and find terrestrial uses in ion milling, implantation and etching.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Bruce Pote

BUSEK CO. INC.

11 Tech Circle

Natick , MA 01760 - 1023

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

BUSEK CO. INC.

11 Tech Circle

Natick , MA 01760 - 1023

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 17.05-7424 (Chron: 992140 )

PROJECT TITLE

Micro-pulsed Pulsed Plasma Thrusters for Microsatellites

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The primary objective of Phase I will be to develop and fabricate a breadboard version of a revolutionary onboard spacecraft propulsion modular "mechanical thruster" component (the coaxial pulsed plasma thruster (PPT)) that, when integrated with advanced PPT electronic components, will reduce onboard propulsion system mass and volume roughly by a factor of two compared to equivalent propulsion systems. Innovative external circuit and thruster design improvements will take advantage of PPT technology and advanced energy storage units now in development under NASA contract, and coupled with the proposed thruster, will allow significantly increased PPT performance during Phase II of this program. The resulting advanced propulsion system will result in reduced mass and launch/spacecraft cost for small satellites, and will be applicable to precision attitude control and station-keeping as is required for formation-flying in the NASA mission Space Technology 3. The results of the Phase I research will validate the approach for incorporating coaxial PPTs with an advanced-architecture micro-pulsed storage circuit, leading to a low-cost advanced flight-qualified system in Phase III.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The resulting revolutionary pulsed plasma thruster will result in significant cost, propulsive mass and volume reductions, benefiting NASA low-power satellites such as formation-flying satellites for long-baseline interferometry, as well as commercial satellites. The system can operate in clusters of three for attitude control, or can combine a larger number of PPTs into a single thrust vector to make higher levels of thrust available for spacecraft deployment (aperture filling), orbit transfer and drag makeup. The results of this R&D effort will improve system simplicity, reduce propulsion and structural subsystem cost and weight, and increase propulsion system reliability.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

David Carroll

CU Aerospace L.L.C.

2004 S. Wright St. Ext MC-710

Urbana , IL 61802 - 1000

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

CU Aerospace L.L.C.

2004 S. Wright St. Extended

Urbana , IL 61802 - 1000

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 18.01-0661 (Chron: 992582 )

PROJECT TITLE

Comet Nucleus Source Sampler

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

A new type of planetary body sample acquisition tool called a Comet Nucleus Surface Sampler is proposed for development. The initial proposed use of this innovation is for comet surface sampling but the system can be applied to asteroids and Mars too. This invention allows for direct sampling of a comet nucleus surface employing a "touch and go" spacecraft. By avoiding a landing, the in situ study of comets is greatly simplified. It is only necessary for the sampling craft to make momentary contact with the surface via the sampler. Cutting heads located on a flexible boom 1.5 meters below the lander, counter rotate at high speed. When these heads contact the surface, small fragments are thrown up to the lander and into the apertures of instrumentation such as those under development at NASA Ames, GSFC and LaRC. The goals of the effort are to design a first iteration of the proposed sampler in an actual comet sampling situation, to fabricate a breadboard of the cutting head assembly and test this assembly at different attack angles in comet simulants cooled to cryogenic temperatures. Honeybee Robotics expects the research will enable low cost Discovery or Micromission class surface sampling missions.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Commercial versions of samplers of this type will allow for the development of automated agricultural soil condition mapping systems and will help enable the commercial mining of asteroids.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Shaheed Rafeek

Honeybee Robotics, Ltd.

204 Elizabeth Street

New York , NY 10012 - 4236

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Honeybee Robotics, Ltd.

204 Elizabeth Street

New York , NY 10012 - 4236

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 18.01-3385 (Chron: 992598 )

PROJECT TITLE

Graphical Application Language Experiment Implementation System

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The Graphical Application Language Experiment Implementation(GALEXI) System development environment will proivde a method of direct flight software generation from a graphical language paradigm. Uers familiar with the National Instruments LabVIEW tools will be able to develop contgrol systgems for their instruments in the laboratory which will result in automatic generation ov flight worthy source code, ready for delivery to the spacecraft integrator or to upload to thye vehicle during operations. This approach will minimize the risk of software development for spacecraft instrument control.

The result of the Phase-I will be a complete system design, with the technical risks defined and mitigated as much as practical. The Phase-II effort will implement an end-to-end capability for demonstration. The demonstration system will provide instrument developers and scientists with a low risk flight software generation system, capable of generating flight worthy source code for commanding and controlling an instrument.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS of this technology can be utilized in many spacecraft instrument control areas. The use of this technology can also be applied to the spacecraft management area, minimizing the cost of flight code development for spacecraft integrators and operators.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Joseph T. Berger, Jr.

Performance Software Associates, Inc.

2305 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite 153

Littleton , CO 80122 - 1522

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Performance Software Associates, Inc.

2305 E. Arapahoe Road, Suite 153

Littleton , CO 80112 - 1522

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 18.02-2200 (Chron: 992612 )

PROJECT TITLE

Technologies in Support of Astrobiology Studies

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

The technical problem addressed in this Phase I SBIR project is the development of CMOS Active Pixel Sensor (APS) image sensors that are well suited to support astrobiology studies. CMOS APS image sensors can be designed to be high resolution (millions of pixels) and low power (tens to few mW). In the field of astrobiology studies, CMOS APS image sensors will be a welcome alternative to the incumbent imaging technology, charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensors. CMOS APS image sensors perform as well as CCDs, with the added benefits of lower power (10 to 100 times less) and integration of electronics (enabling miniaturization), thus allowing them to provide opportunities to expand the existing image sensor market. Because of their inherent advantages of minimized weight, volume, and power requirements, the proposed CMOS APS image sensors and the technical advances associated with their development are also very important for other NASA applications.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed image sensor and the technical advances associated with its development are very important for consumer camera markets (digital still cameras, camcorders, video cellular phones, and high-end video conferencing). In addition, technical advances in the manufacture of high-resolution, low-power image sensors that are expected to result from this SBIR, will directly benefit Photobit's high volume, high-resolution, low-power sensor product lines (for example, machine vision and digital still camera). An additional market that is important is that of digital cinematography.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

Dr. Eric Fossum

Photobit Corporation

135 N. Los Robles 7th FL

Pasadena , CA 91101 - 1758

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Photobit Corporation

135 N. Los Robles 7th FL

Pasadena , CA 91101 - 1758

PROJECT TITLE: Confocal X-ray Micro-Spectroscopy

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Parallax Research, Inc. proposes to develop an elemental analysis technique we call "Confocal X-ray Micro-Spectroscopy" for the purpose of identifying potential biological micro-objects during space missions or in returned samples. This new method utilizes Parallax's ability to make unusual grazing incidence x-ray collection optics, Parallax's background in designing x-ray elemental analysis instrumentation, and optical aberattions which have previously been considered dis-advantageous in grazing incidence x-ray optics. With this technique, we expect to be able to use an extended x-ray source with a concentrating optic to produce a high x-ray flux region on the sample and a collection optic to collect a large solid angle of x-rays emitted from the sample. By using an aberattion of the grazing incidence optic, we will be able to limit the area seen by the detector to a tiny micro-structure. With this device, NASA will have the ability to sort samples into those containing small amounts of C,N,O,S,P, and other light elements found in life forms and reject those not likely to contain life. In addition to space applications, Parallax will have several commercial applications for the technology developed in this program.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Parallax has an immediate commercial application for this device in the semiconductor industry to look at the elemental constituency of features on micro-chips. We would probably make these instruments and they would be sold by a larger x-ray instrument company.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

David OHara 
Parallax Research, Inc.
 PO Box 12212 
Tallahassee , FL   32317 - 0001

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Parallax Research, Inc. 
PO Box 12212 
Tallahassee , FL   32317 - 0001

PROJECT TITLE: In Situ Synthesis of Nutrients and Hydrocarbons for Isolated Habitat Support

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

In-Space Propulsion is submitting this proposal in support of Trust Area 18.02. We propose to demonstrate an engineering unit to convert metabolic waste to ethylene, ethanol, and other useful products. We previously demonstrated the feasibility of using carbon dioxide and hydrogen to synthesize hydrocarbons to support Astrobiological research. Our innovative program is based on these premises: (1) ethylene, ethanol, and other useful products can be synthesized from metabolic wastes to support miniature ecosystems and (2) these products are best synthesized using inorganic processes based on sound engineering principles. We believe our proposal satisfies requirements of Subtopic 18.02 which states the need of new technologies to enable the search of life elsewhere in the solar system, the search of water sources and to distinguish microorganisms and molecular structures within complex chemical mixtures. We focus on the reduction of carbon dioxide with hydrogen to synthesize many useful products. Our Phase I program objectives are (1) to design and build a unit for the catalytic reduction of carbon dioxide with hydrogen over a range of reaction conditions (reactant mole ratio, space velocity, catalyst composition/structure, bed length, etc.) and (2) to demonstrate the synthesis of ethylene and ethanol in a simple single pass system.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

Conversion of carbon dioxide to light hydrocarbons, e.g., methane and ethylene, will have a major economic impact on the electric power generation and petroleum refining industries by enabling them to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions, as mandated by law, while manufacturing products of economic walue. Our proposed program, taken to its logical conclusion, will address the conversion of carbon oxides to useful products in detail.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Sanders D. Rosenberg 
In-Space Propulsion, Limited 
628 Commons Drive 
Sacramento , CA 95825 - 6642

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

IN-SPACE PROPULSION LIMITED 
628 Commons Drive 
Sacramento , CA 95825 - 6642

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 18.03-6642 (Chron: 992486 )

PROJECT TITLE

Hybrid Fabrication of Large, Low-Scatter Diffractive Optics

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

We propose a new approach to the fabrication of large, low scatter diffractive optics using a hybrid of existing "off-the-shelf" methods. Although several techniques are used to make diffractive optics, no single method is currently capable of the large clear aperture size, wavefront accuracy and surface quality that our proposed hybrid method offers. Using existing tools, an accurate DOE pattern is transferred to the final substrate through three proprietary steps, successively removing surface roughness and edge errors with each step. Our approach will allow the fabrication of large (greater than 1 meter), lightweight, low cost diffractive optics on both planar and curved surfaces for NASA applications. The resulting surface smoothness and flatness should be as good or better than is found on refractive optics made by traditional polishing processes, with a wavefront perfection only found with diffractive optics. These devices can fulfill advanced imaging and light gathering missions never before attempted using off-the-shelf fabrication methods, and materials that cannot be diamond turned. The proposed method can also be used in the fabrication of plane and powered gratings and multilevel sub-wavelength structures.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

As a successful Phase I and Phase II project, this effort will result in the in-house deployment of a process for making higher quality Diffractive Optical Elements (DOE?s) than are currently available using current methods. The process will be able to inexpensively produce large format DOE?s with low scatter, on substrates and surfaces previously unusable for diamond machined diffractive optics. Applications range from testing of lithography lenses to providing main elements in space based optical systems.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

William Parker

Diffraction Ltd.

Route 100

Waitsfield , VT 05673 - 1115

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Diffraction Ltd.

Route 100

Waitsfield , VT 05673 - 1115

PROJECT TITLE: A Cross-Correlator Chip for a Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radiometer

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

Future synthetic aperture interferometric radiometers, such as JPL's New Millenium Program, Geostationary Synthetic Aperture Microwave Sounder (GEO/SAMS) instrument, will employ a thinned array of hundreds of miniaturized receivers and a massively parallel cross-correlator system for digital signal processing. The objectives of Phase I are to develop, fabricate, and test a proof-of-design of a 64-baseline, 1-bit encoding, cross-correlator chip operating at clock frequency of 120 MHz to provide the critical design information for the development in Phase II of a radiation-hard, 1024-baseline correlator chip and of an engineering model of a 16,384-baseline cross-correlator system dissipating less than 8 W. To achieve the stated objectives, the following synergistic combination of approaches will be used: a) innovative expandable architecture to enable the construction of cross-correlator systems with any number of antennas , b) new bit-systolic arrays for operation at high frequency with low power consumption, c) novel radiation-hard digital circuit techniques, and d) advanced sub-micron CMOS fabrication technologies. The cross-correlator chip proposed in this project, if successfully realized, will enable the implementation of low- power cross-correlator systems for spaceborne synthetic aperture interferometric radiometers that will be capable of performing breakthrough measurements of the Earth's environment.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposing firm's business plan is to focus on the research, development, marketing, selling, technical support, and maintenance of a family of state-of-the-art cross-correlator chips with application in radio astronomy, earth science, geodesy, and surveillance.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Constantin Timoc 
Spaceborne, Inc. 
742 Foothill Bvld., Suite 2B 
La Canada , CA 91011 - 3444

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR

Spaceborne, Inc. 
742 Foothill Blvd., Suite 2B 
La Canada , CA 91011 - 3444

PROPOSAL NUMBER 99-1 18.04-8680 (Chron: 991591 )

PROJECT TITLE

Advanced Backward Wave Oscillators

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)

This proposed program will result in the developmentof the next generation of millimeter and submillimeter wave, tunable Backward Wave Oscillators (BWOs). Successful development will result in devices that require significantly less input power, require less cooling, have reduced weight, and improved mode purity than current devices. Calabazas Creek Research, Inc. (CCR) is proposing to develop the first BWOs with a depressed collector, spent beam energy recovery system that will reduce the prime power requirement and allow air cooling instead of water cooling. An additional goal will be to develop mode converters between the the slow wave sturcture and the the overmoded output to allow for single mode operation. Finally, advanced permanent magnet technology will be applied to reduce the magnet and system weight. BWO sources are presently used for ground based atmospheric sensing of trace chemicals, testing of solid state sensors, and for basic spectroscopy research. The innovative development proposed here will allow these devices to be used for airbourne or space atmospheric sensing missions, as well as reduce the cost and complexity of BWO

sources, making their unique tunability and output power capability more accessible to both private and government laboratories.

POTENTIAL COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed program would result in development of efficient, lighter-weight, millimeter and submillimeter-wave BWOs applicable to the following commercial applications:

* Laboratory and remote spectroscopy, material analysis, aquametry, and medical research.

* Millimeter and submillimeter wave sources available for airbourne and space missions for molecular line astronomy and atmospheric environmental sensing.

* Heterodyne sources for the new proposed large array radiotelescope system.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR (Name, Organization Name, Mail Address,

City/State/Zip)

R. Lawrence Ives

Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.

20937 Comer Drive

Saratoga , CA 95070 - 3753

NAME AND ADDRESS OF OFFEROR (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip)

Calabazas Creek Research, Inc.

20937 Comer Drive

Saratoga , CA 95070 - 3753