Articles: Aerospace

Open-Standard Multicomputers Address Next-Generation Multi-Function Radar Applications

Next-generation radar applications will drive performance demands that will have architectural implications for radar computing and electronics. Advanced...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Front-End Mixed-Signal Receiver on a Chip

A mixed-signal receiver on a chip (RoC) now undergoing development is intended to be a prototype of the front ends of lightweight, compact, low-power, relatively inexpensive heterodyne radio...

Briefs: Software

A Predictive Model for Cognitive Radio

A computational model that predicts effects of changing operational parameters of a cognitive radio has been developed as part of continuing research on cognitive / software - defined radio (C/SDR)...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Heterodyne RF/Optical Links Utilizing Integrated Photonics

A program of research and development has been directed toward the goals of demonstrating (1) ultra-low-noise communication links in which information is conveyed by phase-modulated...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Microwave Sources Utilizing Linear Induction Accelerators

Progress has been reported in a continuing effort to develop pulsed, high-power microwave signal sources based on (1) oscillators in the form of relativistic magnetrons containing...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Microstrip Patch Antennas Containing Multi-PBG Structures

Microstrip patch antennas of a proposed type would contain photonic- bandgap (PBG) structures characterized by multiple bandgaps. In a given antenna, the PBG structure(s) could be one...

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Compensating for Parasitic Effects in Low-Pass Filters

Techniques to compensate for the effects of parasitic inductances and capacitances have been developed as part of an effort to improve the performances of low-pass filters in electronic...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Fast Liquid-Crystal-on-Silicon Spatial Light Modulators

Stressed-liquid-crystal (SLC) light-modulating devices suitable for use as liquidcrystal- on-silicon (LCOS) spatial light modulators (SLMs) that could operate in nearand mid-infrared...

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Detecting Change in 3D by Use of an Evidence Grid

Astudy has been undertaken to evaluate a method of detecting change in a three-dimensional (3D) terrain map generated from data acquired by an imaging ladar system carried aboard a moving...

Briefs: Materials

Accelerated Evaluation of Properties of Polyphase Alloys

A methodology for accelerated evaluation of mechanical properties of polyphase alloys is based on digital representations of the alloys. For a given alloy material system, this...

Briefs: Materials

Plasma-Spray Coating as an Alternative to Chromium Plating

Plasma-spray application of coating materials that include tungsten carbide has been investigated as an alternative to electroplating of hard chromium onto internal metal surfaces...

Briefs: Materials

Measuring Glucose Using pH-Sensitive Hydrogels

Sensors that exploit pH-sensitive hydrogels for measuring concentrations of glucose in aqueous solutions are undergoing development. Because the underlying chemical and physical principles are...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Thrust-Augmented Nozzles for Rocket Engines

The thrust-augmented nozzle (TAN) has been invented as a means of obtaining high performance from a rocket engine both during liftoff at sea-level atmospheric pressure and later during flight under...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Thermal Design and Analysis of a Rocket-Engine TAN Injector

A subscale thrust - augmented - nozzle (TAN) rocket engine was designed, built, and hot-fire tested to demonstrate the validity of the TAN concept. As described in more detail in...

Briefs: Information Technology

Two-Processor Autopilot System for a UAV

Atwo-processor autopilot control system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been proposed and partly developed. Relative to prior such systems, this would be a lightweight, inexpensive autopilot...

Briefs: Information Technology

Automatic Abstraction of Information From Digitized Images

A research effort now underway addresses fundamental mathematical issues involved in a methodology of creating flexible machine vision systems that would be able to modify their...

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Data Fusion for Space Situational Awareness

Satellites greatly enhance US defense operations; however, these key assets are vulnerable to perils such as space weather and acts of aggression. Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine the...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Near-Precision Soft Landing Resupply Dispenser

AFRL munitions experts teamed with engineers from Systima Technologies, Inc., under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract to develop a Covert Resupply (COVRES) dispenser. The team...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Blended Wing Body Aircraft

Scientists from Boeing Phantom Works, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and AFRL are testing a new aircraft with the potential to realize up to 30% better fuel efficiency because of its...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Improved Accuracy of Computational Fluid Dynamics Calculations

Understanding how air flows over the surfaces of an air vehicle can help AFRL designers maximize the vehicle's performance and minimize its cost. AFRL scientists recently...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Remote-Controlled Aerial Vehicle for Application of Pesticides

AFRL demonstrated its Remotely Controlled Aerial Vehicle for Application of Pesticides (RCAVAP) at the Force Protection Equipment Demonstration (FPED) conducted at Quantico...

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

AFRL Proves Feasibility of Plasma Actuators

AFRL is laying the groundwork for the development of revolutionary hypersonic aerospace vehicles (see Figure 1). Accordingly, AFRL engineers are examining the feasibility of replacing an air...

Briefs: Materials

Composites Design and Structural Analysis Tool

AFRL researchers developed a unique design and structural analysis tool for composite materials, and they subsequently transitioned their product to manufacturers of helicopters and other...

Briefs: Materials

Corrosion Suppression Technologies and Techniques

Members of AFRL's Air Force Corrosion Prevention and Control Office (AFCPCO) teamed with corrosion experts from Warner Robins Air Logistics Center to assess environmentally induced damage to...

Briefs: Materials

Enhanced Blast-Resistant Windows

AFRL entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Dlubak Technologies, Inc., of Freeport, Pennsylvania, to pursue ongoing research in blast-resistant window and glazing...

Briefs: Materials

Friction Stir Welding of Aerospace Materials

AFRL scientists are studying a unique metal joining process— friction stir welding (FSW)—for building major structural assemblies. FSW is a solid-state welding process that forces a spinning...