Army 18. 1 Small Business Innovation Research (sbir) Proposal Submission Instructions

Proposers should approach the problem of vulnerability to EMI and EMP from a perspective of levels of protection of assets. Such assets could be on a system level or on a component level. As we can expect even the best metallic enclosure may not necessarily protect the internal electronic contents of a system, and the idea of a faraday cage needs to be looked at carefully.

Generally one can look at the problem of EMP testing on a local area network and the coupling of electromagnetic energy on 200 feet of Ethernet line. During actual testing on a 25-foot of Ethernet line, the transient currents indicate that the electronics could be expected to see roughly 100 amperes to 700 amperes of current transients on typical Ethernet cables. Proposals must address levels of protection from various conventional sources. A very good literature search of reviewed literature is needed. As the program advanced to phase II and phase III, information about levels of protection and methodologies that result from the phase I effort will likely become sensitive information.

PHASE I: Develop innovative packaging concepts to protects electrical and electronic components as well as other sensitive components of munitions from high electromagnetic interference (EMI) and pulse (EMP) radiation. Develop innovative methods for determining vulnerability of munitions components and systems to high electromagnetic interference (EMI) and pulse (EMP) using computer modeling and simulation methods, to be followed by validation testing in laboratory environment.

PHASE II: Using the developed novel modeling and simulation capabilities and methods to validate the results in laboratory tests, design and fabricate prototypes of selected critical components used in munitions, particularly those with input and/or output wiring, with each of the selected packaging concepts. Demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed concepts in laboratory tests in anechoic chamber and provide prototypes for tests subjecting them to high levels of EMI and EMP.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The development of methods and low cost and low volume means of significantly reducing vulnerability of electrical and electronic and other sensitive devices and equipment to high levels of electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the form of high level EMI and EMP is one of the challenges of today’s computer controlled and highly automated society. Such vulnerabilities can have catastrophic consequences in many critical civilian as well as military related areas. As such, the development of novel methods to model and simulate such component and system vulnerabilities to be followed by reliable validation via scaled down laboratory testing will therefore have a wide range of civilian as well as military applications.

REFERENCES:

1. High Power Microwaves, J. Benford, J. Swegle, E. Schamiloglu, Taylor & Francis, New York, 2007.

2. Microwave Engineering, 3rd Ed., M. Pozar, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New Jersey, 2005.

3. R. Pouladian-Kari, A. J. Shapland, T. M. Benson, “Development of ferrite line pulse sharpeners for repetitive high power applications,” Microwaves, Antennas and Propagation, IEE Proceedings H, 1991, Vol. 138, pp. 504–512.

4. Characterization of a Synchronous Wave Nonlinear Transmission Line, P. Coleman, et al., Proc. Pulsed Power Conf., pp. 173-177, 2011.

KEYWORDS: Electromagnetic Interference; Electromagnetic Pulse; EMI; EMP; High Power Radio Frequency; High Power Microwave; Directed Energy

A18-009

TITLE: Data Converter Systems on Chip

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 5.4.c.(8) of the Announcement.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this topic is the design and development of highly efficient, multiple integrated data converters on a single integrated circuit chip. The integrated circuit chip/die shall be capable of withstanding harsh environments including but not limited to shock, vibe and extreme operating and storage temperatures.

DESCRIPTION: Proximity Sensor Fuzing technologies have been around for a number of years now. The technology has been widely used and exported by the United States in various places around the globe. Proximity Fuze technology has the added capability of enhanced lethality over standard point detonating devices. Although current legacy technology is sufficient in most current systems, there is a desire to upgrade and digitize the signal processing chain of future systems. Digital systems tend to have a higher operational costs in terms of current draw, operating voltages and physical footprint that prohibit direct replacement of currently fielded systems without major re-designs or upgrades to power sources. This multi-phase effort will explore the ability of incorporating digital to analog and analog to digital data converters components onto one integrated circuit to essentially create a sensor on a chip. Specifically, the effort will include the design and development of efficient data converter devices along with associated required tooling, integration with FPGAs and fabrication/evaluation/delivery of prototype devices. The final resulting packaging shall be an improvement in size over using multiple individual data converter integrated circuits. A successful proposal will address how to optimize the size and power requirements of standard low power data converters while still packaging the die to survive high stress environments like shock, vibe and temperature extremes.

PHASE I: Investigate serial data converters with the following minimum specifications: single supply operation of 3.3V, power consumption of less than 80mW at 8MSPS and 12 bits of resolution. From the market research, steps should be taken to develop initial performance requirements. Finally, develop the preliminary design architectures necessary to incorporate a single ADC block, with a dual DAC configuration that is capable of a serial interface to manipulate certain parameters to meet performance specs.

PHASE II: Develop optimized configurations of the data converter blocks selected in the Phase I design activity. Design and fabricate prototype hardware that incorporate all the building blocks for a single integrated circuit chip. Conduct laboratory performance validation testing of the prototype design, showing the minimum capabilities and performance specifications determined in Phase I. Preliminary qualification and production test plans should developed to prove how the final deliverable would be tested to validate specifications were met in a production environment.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: The contractor shall develop tooling for the units and provide low quantities of demonstration prototypes to evaluate within laboratory environments. These prototypes would be used in relevant hardware designs to verify and validate the build of the integrated circuit. Projects where the chip can be implemented to verify design includes the Next Generation Proximity Sensor program.

REFERENCES:

1. J. S. Fisher, E. J. Murphy, S. B. Bibyk, "Design methods for system-on-a-chip control codecs to enhance performance and reuse", Proc. IEEE Nat. Aerosp. Electron. Conf., pp. 666-673, 2000.

2. D. A. Johns, K. Martin, Analog Integrated Circuit Design, New York:John Wiley & Sons, Inc., pp. 531, 1997.

3. R. van de Plassche, J Huijsing, Analog Circuit Design, New York:Springer Science+Business Media, LLC., 2000.

KEYWORDS: Fuze, data converters, RF proximity sensor,

A18-010

TITLE: Nuetralize Enemy Drones

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Electronics

OBJECTIVE: Develop new, innovative sensors and systems architecture to sense enemy drones at distance and neutralize drone threats before they reach their intended target.

DESCRIPTION: The asymmetric threat of IEDs and other hazards must be addressed by a new generation of innovative technology including robotics, drones and novel sensors for situation awareness. Further work is needed to advance air and ground teaming capabilities that allow drones and robots to work together to find hazards and map out large areas. One of the most worrisome threats is the use of drones as weapons by insurgents. The threat of drone strikes is on the rise throughout the world. Stephen Townsend, the commander of Operation Inherent Resolve, prioritizes drone weaponization as the number one threat facing soldiers in the effort to combat ISIS. Insurgents can purchase a drone for anywhere from $200 to $20,000 dollars and then use that device to cause devastating damage by attaching explosives and using multiple drones in simultaneous, coordinated attacks. To address this threat, there is a pressing need to develop new, innovative sensors to sense drones at distance and neutralize drone threats before they reach their intended target. Numerous sensors may be considered, but must meet the following specifications: 1) low cost; 2) capable of being made rugged for use on drones and robots; 3) small size and weight to support deployment on small drones; 4) ability to see out at least 200 meters; 5) ability to see through obscurants such as dust, rain, fog, snow and vegetation. For example, Ultra Wide Band (UWB) digital radar sensors can be used to provide a unique means to track UAS threats at large distances. UWB radar transmits high bandwidth (narrow) Gaussian pulses that can be very low power. When the transmitted pulses that enable the monostatic operation of one radar are received as pulse responses by a second radar a bi-static radar link is established; when the pulse responses are received by several radios a multi-static radar is formed. A network of low cost UWB radars can be used to form a C-UAS perimeter around an area in order to prevent swarming enemy UAS platforms from penetrating and operating in the airspace above the protected area. Another mode of operation under consideration is the use of UWB radar on drones and robots as a means to track and intercept drones in real-time.

PHASE I: The proposed work during PHASE I is expected to include development of a system architecture for using some combination of sensors, drones, ground vehicles and unattended ground sensors to create C-UAS capabilities. During PHASE I proposers may consider demonstration of the core sensor capabilities necessary to sense and track UAS systems and possible simulation of the proposed functional system.

PHASE II: Phase II will involve prototyping of the system and may include demonstration of the sensors on drones and ground vehicles.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will involve collaboration with PM Counter-Explosive Hazards in order to develop a fieldable C-UAS solution to the threat of airborne explosive threats.

REFERENCES:

1. Training for the Enemy UAV threat - http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/magazine/issues/2013/May-June/pdfs/Phillips.pdf

2. Countering the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Threat - http://usacac.army.mil/CAC2/MilitaryReview/Archives/English/MilitaryReview_20151231_art012.pdf

KEYWORDS: Drone, C-UAS, UAS, UWB, threats, neutralize, platforms, hazards, map

A18-011

TITLE: Covalent organic frameworks based nanoporous structures for explosive remediation

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this proposal is to investigate the use of covalent organic frameworks based nanoporous structures for detection, sequestration, and remediation of common military grade and homemade explosives.

DESCRIPTION: Nanoporous materials as a class of nanostructured materials have attracted wide attention owing to their great ability to adsorb and interact with atoms, ions, and molecules on their large interior surfaces and in the nanometer size pore space. Recently has emerged covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as a new type of nanoporous materials involving crystalline porous polymers wherein extended predesigned structures are facilitated by the linking of molecular building blocks by strong covalent bonds. COFs can serve as building blocks for making predesigned, robust materials in an unprecedented way that could be exploited for various applications, including ion exchange, catalysis, sensor applications, biological molecular isolation and purification, gas storage and separation. This topic will investigate the use of COFs for detection, sequestration, and remediation of common military grade and homemade explosives.

PHASE I: Investigate novel approaches for designing building blocks of COFs with embedded catalysts for the three-fold function of detection, sequestration, and remediation (DSR) of common military grade explosives such as TNT, RDX, and PETN and homemade explosives such as AN. Phase I will identify material considerations, the design methodologies and modeling and simulation tools for constructing the COFs based nanoporous structures. Initially, the DSR functions may be demonstrated sequentially. From the get-go the design philosophy should be driven by easily implementable and scalable solutions. At the end of phase I areas for further detailed investigation in Phase II will be identified.

PHASE II: Detailed fundamental chemical models will be developed for understanding the formation of linkages to give the extended COFs and their properties for the intended application. Improved understanding of the thermodynamics of the crystallization process will lead to consistent preparation of high quality nanoporous structures with stability of geometry. Sensing elements and catalysts necessary for the DSR should preferably incorporated in the COFs such that a single nanoporous structure performs the concentration and remediation of the explosives in a continuous and scalable process. The anticipated deliverables will include design, fabrication and demonstration of suitable nanoporous structures of COFs for detection, sequestration, and remediation (DSR) of common military grade explosives such as TNT, RDX, and PETN and homemade explosives such as AN.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will entail further research and refinement of the designs of Phase II along with modeling and simulation towards advancing the COF building blocks by considering other strong covalent bonds such as C8722O, C8722;C for improving the efficacy of the remediation process.

REFERENCES:

1. P.J. Waller et al., “Chemistry of Covalent Organic Frameworks,” Acc. Chem. Res. 48, 30538722;3063, 2015.

2. A. Alsbaiee et al., “Rapid removal of organic micropollutants from water by a porous946;-cyclodextrin polymer,” Nature, vol. 529, 14 January 2016.

3. D. Gopalakrishnan and W. R. Dichtel, “Direct Detection of RDX Vapor Using a Conjugated Polymer Network,” | J. Am. Chem. Soc., 135, 8357&8722;8362, 2013.

4. D. Gopalakrishnan and W. R. Dichtel, “Real-Time, Ultrasensitive Detection of RDX Vapors Using Conjugated Network Polymer Thin Films,” Chem. Mater., 27, 3813&8722;3816, 2015.

KEYWORDS: Covalent organic frameworks, explosive remediation, catalysis.

A18-012

TITLE: Bioinspired hierarchical design of multifunctional, adaptive materials for hardened munitions

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this proposal is to investigate approaches of designing and developing adaptable and multifunctional bioinspired hierarchical materials that can be manufactured and implemented for hardening munitions against multiple vulnerabilities including thermal (e.g., heat transfer and thermal management), mechanical (e.g., weight, erosion), chemical/environmental (e.g., corrosion and harsh environments) and high energy radiations (e.g., directed energy weapons) during service and/or storage.

DESCRIPTION: With the rapid technology proliferation and the ensuing capabilities in the hands of the adversaries could seriously undermine the U.S. Army’s superiority in the future warfare. Further, as the global security environment is becoming increasingly complex and fragile, the agility to operate in dynamic and disparate military/urban environments is of paramount importance. It is imperative that the U.S. Army should be prepared for instantaneous conflict resolution with swift actions and with ready capabilities [1, 2]. In this regard, the current advances in materials need to be leveraged for developing resilient and precision strikes using armaments which have low vulnerability and that are least susceptible to countermeasures. There exists in nature complex hierarchical structures [3-6] exhibiting a myriad of extraordinary properties. This has created an interesting discipline of designing new bioinspired hierarchical materials leveraging the principles of biomimicry. Using the bioinspired hierarchical materials as the basis, a new armaments focused materials genome initiative could be envisioned that would serve to create armaments which have unprecedented high damage tolerance to thermal, mechanical, chemical, high energy radiations and other environmental threat factors. This topic endeavors to develop the fundamentals of such an armaments focused materials genome.

PHASE I: Investigate novel approaches for designing and developing adaptable and multifunctional bioinspired hierarchical materials that can be manufactured and implemented for hardening munitions against multiple vulnerabilities including thermal, mechanical, chemical/environmental and high energy radiations during service and/or storage. The hierarchical materials space could include nanostructured inorganic, organic, and/or hybrid inorganic/organic composites including low dimensional materials (e.g. graphene). The individual layers in the stack may be patterned to produce pixelated surfaces consisting of meta-atoms with specific properties (e.g. thermal tunability) that can be controlled by external stimuli. In this manner, a heterogeneous pixelated layers in the stack can be achieved for true adaptability with multifunctional characteristics. From the get-go the design philosophy should be driven by easily implementable and manufacturable solutions. Phase I will identify material considerations, the design methodologies and modeling and simulation tools for constructing the hierarchical structures. In addition, prototype structures that demonstrate mitigation of vulnerabilities in one or more areas will be made. At the end of phase I, while designs and approaches are not optimized for true multifunctional operation, areas for further improvements and methods for practical implementation will be identified.

PHASE II: Detailed physics based models will be developed for understanding the meta-atoms interactions with the external stimuli that drive the structure-property relations and the adaptable multifunctionality. Functionally graded materials, nano-porous compositions, self-similar structures etc., will be considered as part of the design space. Methods will be explored for adaptive and agile multifunctionality by application of external stimuli to the hierarchical materials. Phase II will culminate with deliverables that include modeling and simulation methodologies for the design of adaptive, multifunctional bioinspired hierarchical materials for applications towards hardening munitions against thermal, mechanical, chemical and high energy radiation and prototype demonstrations of a design (s) with multifunctionality, adaptability and improved sustainability against several of the vulnerabilities. It is imperative that the prototype demonstrations shall demonstrate multifunctionality in synergy and not in isolation.

PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Phase III will entail further research and refinement of the designs of Phase II along with modeling and simulation towards advancing the building blocks of the armaments focused materials genome. The effort through all the phases will be coordinated with the stakeholders in all the three services which will facilitate definition of the requirements and transition of the technology. Strategic partnerships will be developed to further the commercialization potential of the technology.

REFERENCES:

1. THE ARMY VISION - Strategic Advantage in a Complex World. https://www.army.mil/e2/rv5_downloads/info/references/the_army_vision.pdf

2. Force 2025 and Beyond - The U.S. Army’s Holistic Modernization Strategy, Jan 2015. https://www.ausa.org/publications/force-2025-and-beyond-us-army%E2%80%99s-holistic-modernization-strategy

3. L. Mishnaevsky and M. Tsapatsis, “Hierarchical materials: Background and perspectives,” Materials Research Society Bulletin, vol. 41, issue 9, September 2016.

4. H. Gao, “Learning from Nature about Principles of Hierarchical Materials,” 3rd International Nanoelectronics Conference, 3-8 Jan. 2010.

5. Galo J. de A. A. Soler-Illia et al., “Chemical Strategies To Design Textured Materials: from Microporous and Mesoporous Oxides to Nanonetworks and Hierarchical Structures,” Chem. Rev. 102, 4093-4138, 2002. 6. A.R. Parker, “515 million years of structural color,” J. Opt. A: Pure Appl. Opt. 2, R15–R28, 2000.

KEYWORDS: Hierarchical materials, bioinspired/biomimicry, multifunctionality, adaptive designs, nano-porous materials, inorganic, organic, hybrid inorganic/organic nanostructures, self-similar structures, meta-atoms, armaments focused material genome

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Materials/Processes

OBJECTIVE: Develop and test lightweight combustible case materials and designs for small arms ammunition to reduce weight without sacrificing ballistic performance and long-term reliability.

DESCRIPTION: Weapon system advances have resulted in the infantry soldiers carrying additional gear to enhance their combat effectiveness, but at the cost of increased logistics burden. To ensure that America’s soldiers maintain their overwhelming combat edge into 21st century, decreasing soldier loads has become a top priority for the Army. In this regard, one of the heaviest burdens for soldiers is their ammunition. However, the high cost of lightweight metal materials and the associated manufacturing costs represent a significant part of the affordability challenge to reduce weight. Attempts in the past 50+ years to use lightweight polymers to replace brass can only reduce the weight by about 25% and has not yet proven successful to achieve the ballistic performance and long-term reliability. Combustible cartridge case technology is successfully used in large caliber ammunition systems to eliminate the logistical burden of disposing of unconsumed packaging after firing. Combustible cartridge cases bring additional advantages in comparison to metal cases such as reduction in barrel wear, enhanced firing energy, increased firing rate and reduction in charge costs. At the same time combustible case materials offer protection of the propellant in the handling, storage, and loading phases, making it a good candidate to replace metallic cases.