Submission of proposals
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PHASE I: Phase I will consist of research of refrigerant, sorption, and regeneration materials and methods. The research shall include potential configurations and interfaces with canteens, cups and bladders. The strengths and weaknesses of each alternative shall be detailed in terms of operational effectiveness, weight, size, cost, health hazards, safety, ruggedness, shelf life, and stability. From this data, trade off studies will be performed to determine what characteristics are preferred for ICE. A proof-of-principle prototype will be designed and demonstrated for the best alternative(s). Phase I shall include a demonstration of the ability to cool 16 ounces of water by 20°F in less than 10 minutes, meet the 4 ounce weight requirement or show how the weight requirement can be met. PHASE II: Phase II would consist of refining the design and building prototypes for delivery that will meet performance and weight requirements (50 if single use, 10 if reusable). Technology will be scaled to successfully chill a 2-liter water bladder as used in the Future Hydration System. Address producibility, manufacturability, and ruggedness and suitability for military use. Provide a preliminary manufacturing plan and a comprehensive investigation for compliance to all safety and health regulations with respect to the operation, transportation, storage, and disposal of the hydrogen capture or utilization system. PHASE III DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION: The beverage industry has shown interest in offering a self cooled product and there are many patents and prototypes to choose from but high cost and bulk remain as barriers to a successful product. This program will solve those problems through innovation that will lead to a low cost, low bulk technology. REFERENCES: 1) Army Field Manual 10-52; Ch 3, Water Supply Planning. 2) Army Field Manual 21-76; Ch 13, Desert Survival. 3) Draft ORD for a Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Environment Personal Hydration System (NEPHS), Potential ACAT IV, Paragraph 4.a.3.h, (copies available through Ms. Kathy Swift 508-233-5451). 4) Army Newsletter 90-7 Winning in the Desert; Ch 4, Environmental Effects on Personnel; Lyle, James, Sept 1997. 5) Palatability of Drinking Water: Effects on Voluntary Dehydration; USARIEM, Szlyk, Patricia C.; Sils, Ingrid V.; Francesconi, Ralph P.; Hubbard, Roger W.; Armstrong, Lawrence E., March 1998. 6) Patterns of Human Drinking: Effects of Exercise, Water Temperature and Food Consumption; USARIEM, Szlyk, Patricia C.; Sils, Ingrid V.; Francesconi, Ralph P.; Hubbard, Roger W., Feb 1989. 7) Engell D, and Hirsch E., 1991, Environmental and Sensory Modulation of Fluid Intake in Humans, In Booth D, & Ramsay D (eds.), Thirst: Physiological & Psychological Aspects, London: Springer-Verlag, PP 382-390. 8) Sandlick B L, Engell D B, Maller O, 1984, Perception of Drinking Water Temperature and Effects for Humans after Exercise. Physiology and Behavior 32:851-855.
A03-183 TITLE: Development of Silent Hook and Loop Closure System TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems OBJECTIVE: To develop silent hook and loop (touch fastener) closure system for use on combat based uniforms that require stealth attributes. Also closure system shall be resistant to mud, silent in extreme cold, be autoclavable (steam resistant), resistant to lint pickup in laundering, edge peeling, be lighter weight, thinner, more flexible without loss of holding strength and offer characteristics that counter such detrimental qualities in current closure system. DESCRIPTION: Current hook and loop closure system has numerous deficiencies that counters combat effectiveness by users in the field, with the most serious defect identified as noise when being disengaged. The element of extreme cold enhances the noise level, thus renders any such uniform using hook and loop useless in terms of offering stealth characteristics. However, despite the noise characteristic, hook and loop closure systems are the most popular of all the closure systems due to their ease of use. Hook and loop tapes are commercially available from numerous companies either in the form of woven, knit or extruded polymer. Past studies on the subject have concluded that the source of noise is hook tape. As the tapes are being disengaged the hooks vibrate and the noise resounds off of the backing tape in a process known as ‘resonance’. This was proven in a previous proprietary study when a large commercial supplier constructed a nonbacked hook tape and was shown to be noiseless when disengaged in mid-air. However, when sewn to an end-item textile unit, the noise returned. The textile backing on the end-item served as a backboard. PHASE I: Phase I will consist of researching into development of prototype utilizing new hook design or alternate means to create engagement and silent disengagement without sacrifice to typical minimum shear strength of 5.0 pounds/inch as tested per A-A-55126, ‘Hook and Loop Closure Tape’ requirements. Noise levels shall be a minimum of 85% reduced compared to typical woven hook and loop structure meeting A-A-55126 requirements at 0 degrees F. Also, hook and loop structure shall maintain 90% of shear strength properties after autoclaving process for 1 hour, resist lint pickup when home laundered and tumble dried 3 times on hot cycle with 4 pounds cotton based load, also tape shall not edge peel, be thinner and more flexible with no needlecutting than current closure system. PHASE II: Phase II would consist of developing prototypes of hook and loop closure system for wear testing upon multi-service cold weather/chemical protective clothing applications, to be determined. PHASE III DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION: Silent hook and loop would be beneficial for commercial application for children’s wear, outdoor hunting gear, commercial tentage, sleeping bags, dress shirt and other applications that require stealth. Also, additional features under Phase I would enhance the closure system for general commercial use. REFERENCES: 1) 10 A-A-55126, ‘Hook and Loop Fastener Tape’, Commercial Item Description. (available from Maria Scott, (508) 233-4185, email: maria.scott@natick.army.mil) KEYWORDS: Hook and loop, closure system, silent, fastener A03-184 TITLE: Modular Parachute Concepts TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM-Force Sustainment Systems OBJECTIVE: To develop and demonstrate modular parachute concepts and advanced textile connectivity concepts for rapid rigging and rapid de-rigging/recovery of large parachute systems and potentially for rapid conversion of parachute systems allowing for a larger range of payload weights and applications. DESCRIPTION: The US Army envisions the development and fielding of large parafoil systems (See references) for use in delivery of large cargo and vehicles. These systems consist of multiple types of fabrics, webbings and cordage and require specialized rigging facilities and a team of recovery personnel. This represents a major technical hurdle to the ultimate fielding of precision airdrop systems that are too large and heavy for field recovery for reuse. The objective of this work is to develop modular parachute concepts through the use of new and novel fabric-to-fabric, cordage-to-fabric, and cordage-to-cordage connections and attachment concepts/technologies to allow for rapid rigging/assembly of a parachute with potential of system modularity. Examples may include systems that allow for construction of parafoils from individual cells that are easily, rapidly and securely fastened prior to final packing/rigging to “size the airdrop system” for the desire application and assist in personnel handling of the system. The potential to partially rig/fold each cell prior to assembly could be considered. On the recovery side, each individual cell would be rapidly removable and easy to handle for a single soldier. A similar example for round parachutes could consist of removable gores and/or panels to allow for tailoring the canopies to the payload size/weight being dropped and allowing for more flexibility in controlling the rate of decent of Army payloads that can range significantly. Quick disconnect-able cordage to parachute systems are desired and fabric to fabric connectivity solutions are sought allowing for a single soldier to move large systems and configure systems easily and possibly rig large systems in smaller confined spaces than currently required. Advanced Velcro and/or zipper type systems are potential solutions but concepts must be capable of withstanding the large opening shocks associated with airdrop systems and be easily installed/removed and completely re-usable with minimal maintenance. Multiple reuses are critical. The capability must also be applicable for rapid repairs on damaged systems and not require any specific hardware to make the modifications/repairs. As an example, cross canopies could be made from a collection of square sections that are connected for a given application and could be scalable by symmetrically adding more building blocks as needed. PHASE I: In this phase, new modular parachute concepts and innovative technologies/methodologies to fabricate parafoils should be developed with the focus on connectivity technologies and maximum modularity (i.e., range of airdrop payload capabilities) with all systems usable and modifiable by a single soldier with minimal/no tools required. In addition to the parafoils, other canopy varieties (round/cross type systems) are desired. Prototype system design and fabrication are desired. If concepts are ready, the government will provide airdrop test assets as government furnished equipment (GFE) at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground for a series of flight demonstrations of smaller scaled (i.e. up to 2200 lb payload) systems. Documented ground tests of the connections/systems ability to withstand anticipated opening shock loads should be conducted in advance of any flight tests. Modular parachute designs of common sized canopies should be considered but new parachute designs potentially more practical for the modularity concept will be considered. PHASE II: Demonstrate the concept via design and construction of a range of cargo size parachutes. Demonstrate a re-configurable system that adds minimal time to rigging and can accommodate the widest range of payload weights for the design/system chosen. Large parafoils, round and/or cross canopy systems could be proposed. Demonstrations of at least one system that can range from a minimum payload weight up to a 5000lbs system should be proposed. A detailed cost analysis that includes rigging time and re-configurations should be conducted. The government will entertain a large series of drop tests of mature technologies to explore the reusability and repeatability of such systems. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: This technology could be applicable to all types of fabric constructions such as large maintenance tents. Systems could be used by the Coast Guard, law enforcement/rescue, ski patrols, border patrols, drug intervention forces, forest fire fighting support and for humanitarian relief operations. These systems would allow for less storage and inventory of more traditional parachutes potentially saving all organizations storage and inventory related costs. REFERENCES: This topic addresses needs outlined in TRADOC Pam 525-66, Future Operational Capabilities (FOCs), http://www.tradoc.army.mil/tpubs/pams/52566frm.htm: (1) QM 99-001 & SF 98-605. Aerial Delivery/Distribution. (2) CSS 98-001. Battlefield Distribution. (3) CSS 98-002. Velocity Management. (4) Art 4.0-Perform CSS and Sustainment. (5) IN 97-300. Mobility-Tactical Infantry Mobility. (6) IN 97-301. Mobility-Tactical Infantry Deployability. (7) IN 97-321. Mobility-Soldier’s Load. (8) TC 98-002. Force Projection Operations. (9) TC 98-004. Rapid Supply/Resupply of Early Entry Forces. (10) DBS 97-030. Mobility-Tactical Dismounted Mobility. KEYWORDS: textiles, airdrop, tents, parachutes, cargo parachute systems, and autonomous airdrop system. A03-185 TITLE: Micro-Atomizing Logistic-Fuel Delivery System TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM-Soldier Systems OBJECTIVE: A system that remotely delivers a micro-atomized/vaporized fuel-air mixture suitable for flame or catalytic combustion in ration or water heating devices. DESCRIPTION: In military field situations, the most logistically sensible way to provide heat is through fuel combustion. However, clean and efficient burning of diesel and JP8 requires complex electrically-powered equipment because these fuels are broad-cut, very viscous, and have low volatility. Vigorous mixing with air, and pressures of 1400-7000 kPa (200-1000 psi) and above must be employed to generate a mist of particles sized 40-80 microns traveling at 100 m/s; otherwise, nozzles and passageways will experience gumming due to destructive decomposition (cracking) and distillate separation. In high-output (150 kW) applications, such as entire kitchens, the power requirement and cost can be justified. The situation is different for personal body-, food-, and water-heaters of only 50-500 W (170-1700 BTU/hr) where compactness and lightweight are desired. Simple methods, such as wicks and camp-stove vaporizers, are not suitable -- and do not apply to catalytic combustion. Fortunately, emerging and concept technologies show promise for enhancing vaporization of heavy fuels with minimal power input through pre-combustion atomization and strategic mixing with air. Possibilities include, but are not limited to: microchannel-boiling, electrostatic dispersion, thin-film techniques, cavitation foaming, nanoturbine ejection, ultrasonic misting, or capillary pumping. Power is conserved by limiting pre-atomized pressures to below 200 kPa (0-30 psi), and reducing air velocity. Particle velocity may drop into the 10 m/s range, so size may need to be reduced to below 6 microns. As a second stage in the process, post-atomization mixing chamber characteristics can serve to inhibit wall collisions and agglomeration. PHASE I: Identify the best configuration for a system that will atomize/vaporize heavy logistical fuels and mix the product with air, delivering it through a hose without condensation or dripping, so it is a product ready to be combusted, either via flame or catalytic methods. The concept should be scalable and ultimately capable of variable feed rates. The fuel should not require additives or other pretreatment. Any practical device will use no electricity, or little enough that a single battery-pack will last 72 hours or 300 periods of 15-minute operation. The battery required must be consistent with the application -- for example, personal portable devices might be limited to four AA's, while heat-driven refrigerators could accommodate something much larger. A proof-of-principle prototype will be constructed to demonstrate effective operation. Reporting will include identification of strategies and areas of improvement such that a Phase II product will meet military requirements for operation and safety. PHASE II: Build five refined prototypes that can be used for limited field testing and demonstration/display. The product will be highly durable and capable of a variable feed rate. It is hoped the size of a device for delivering 300 W's (1000 BTU/hr) will be smaller than a deck of cards (not including a 12" delivery hose) with a corresponding economy of power. Strict attention to MANPRINT and safety factors will be observed. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Military systems requiring low to moderate heat input range in size from 50 W (170 BTU/hr) personal warming vests to the 16 kW burners used in portable kitchens kits. The micro-atomizer device would most immediately be applied toward open-flame and catalytic pocket-stoves and personal heater devices, enjoying significant popularity in civilian camping, hiking, and winter sports. The next most useful application is air heaters, water heaters, and heat-driven refrigeration. Currently, propane is used in RVs since it is an easily handled fuel, and it burns cleaner than diesel using existing technology; however, it's volatility does result in the occasional maelstrom -- heavier fuels would be much safer. Micro-atomizer technology would be similarly useful in cab, engine-block, and water heaters used in mobile situations or where independent operation is necessary. Espar produces popular diesel-fired versions of this equipment, and it is anticipated atomizer technology would render their devices more efficient and cleaner burning without sacrificing performance. REFERENCES: 1) Electrostatic Atomization - Experiment, Theory, and Industrial Applications - http://pst.pppl.gov/tt/electrostatic_atomization.html 2) A Guide to Assist in Evaluating Liquid Fuel Flames - http://www.coen.com/i_html/white_liquidfuel.html 3) Burning Residual Fuel Oil -http://energyconcepts.tripod.com/energyconcepts/heavy_oil.htm KEYWORDS: combustion, atomization, fuel, diesel, JP8, pocket-stove, cooking, heating A03-186 TITLE: Hydrogen Capture or Utilization in Mg/Fe Based Chemical Heaters TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Human Systems ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Joint Project Director, Combat Feeding Program OBJECTIVE: To research alternatives and develop a low cost lightweight safe method for suppressing, capturing or utilizing the hydrogen released by Mg5at/Fe chemical heaters used for heating individual and group rations. DESCRIPTION: DoD uses a lightweight, low cost, easy-to-use chemical heater called the Flameless Ration Heater (FRH) to heat the standard operation ration, the Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE). An FRH is packed with every MRE and over 25 million are procured and used each year. The FRH weighs ½ ounce and raises the temperature of the 8-ounce MRE entrée by 100°F in 10 minutes. Unfortunately, upon activation the FRH releases 8 liters of hydrogen. While this presents no operational problems, there have been storage and disposal issues, primarily due to generalized regulations and the unique nature of this item. After 10 years of research, no non-hydrogen producing chemical heating systems have been found that match the cost, safety, and performance of the FRH. While research continues for an FRH replacement, the problems associated with hydrogen are manageable. However, a larger chemical heater is needed for a group ration called the Remote Unit Self Heated Meal (RUSHM). The RUSHM weighs 26 pounds and requires approximately 20 ounces of heater material that will produce 11.3 cubic feet of hydrogen. In a confined space, there is a high probability that hydrogen’s Lower Explosive Limit (4%) could easily be reached. Therefore, an inline method is required to capture the hydrogen and prevent release to the atmosphere. It is preferred that the caloric power (320 BTU/cubic foot) of the hydrogen be used to heat the food for maximum efficiency. It is also desired that the solution be scalable down to the FRH. Minimum weight, size, cost, and complexity are desired characteristics, in order of importance. In addition, the solution must be disposable and production cost should not exceed the cost of the RUSHM heaters (~$10). All materials must be Generally Recognized as Safe for incidental food contact or must be separated from the food to prevent any possible food contact due to unintentional opening or rough handling (shock or vibration). The materials shall also be safe for operation, transportation, storage, and disposal (activated or not). PHASE I: Phase I will consist of research of hydrogen storage, scavenging, scrubbing, sorption, and suppression technology such as activated carbon, zeolites, metal hydrides, slurries, etc. and/or research of oxidation catalysis (note: reaction byproducts are only hydrogen and water vapor). The research shall include potential configurations and interfaces with the chemical heater and RUSHM. The strengths and weaknesses of each alternative shall be detailed in terms of weight, size, cost, health hazards, safety, ruggedness, shelf life, and stability. From this data, trade off studies will be performed to determine what characteristics are preferred for the RUSHM. A proof-of-principle prototype will be designed and demonstrated for the best alternative(s). PHASE II: Phase II would consist of developing full-scale prototypes that will be integrated in the RUSHM. If applicable, FRH scale prototypes will also be developed. Development will include a comprehensive investigation for compliance to all safety and health regulations with respect to the operation, transportation, storage, and disposal of the hydrogen capture or utilization system. PHASE III DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION: Calcium oxide is currently widely used as heating element for a range of commercial food and beverage products. It is very inexpensive, but it is bulky and can weigh 10 times as much as the Mg/Fe heater used by DoD (i.e., food to heater ratio of 2:1 vs. 16:1). It also can get dangerously hot (over 300C vs. 100C). The real and perceived hazards of hydrogen have held back the commercialization of the Mg/Fe heater. Once the hydrogen problem is solved, these heaters will have wide spread application for commuter meals, self-heated beverages, mobile catering and buffet tables (especially where fire codes do not permit open flames). REFERENCES: 1. Pickard, D. W., Oleksyk, L. E., Trottier, R. L., “Development of the Flameless Ration Heater for the Meal, Ready-to-Eat”, US Army Natick RD&E Center, Technical Report Natick/TR-93/030 1993. 2. Nelson, K, “Thermal Design and Optimization of the Self-Heating Group Ration”, US Army Natick RD&E Center, Technical Report, TR-96/038, August 1996. 3. Hilgeman, T. R., Fields, J. A., “Disposal Methods for Flameless Ration Heaters and Meals, Ready-to-Eat for the Food Service Program”, Environmental Quality Management, Inc., Cincinnati, OH 45240, US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Soldier Systems Center, Technical Report TR-00/017, September 2000. 4. Bell, W. L., Copeland R. J., Shultz A. L., “Applications of New Chemical Heat Sources, Phase I”, TDA Research, Inc., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Soldier Systems Center, Technical Report, TR-01/004, January 2001. 5. Hill, B. M., LaBrode A. J., Sherman P., Zanchi J. A., Milch L., Pickard D., Smith N., Johnson W., Carlson J., “Analysis of Hydrogen Emission in Meal, Ready-to-Eat Heaters and Discussion of New Heater Technology Initiatives”, U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA 01760-5018, TR-01/005L, February 2001. 6. Bell, W. L., Alford J. M., Bahr J. A., Cesario M. F., Clark C. E., Copeland R. J., YU J., “Applications of New Chemical Heat Sources, Phase 2”, TDA Research, Inc., Wheat Ridge, CO. 80033, US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Soldier Systems Center, Technical Report TR-01/008, May 2001. 7. Pickard, D. W., Trottier, R. L., Lavigne, P. G., Self-Heating Group Meal Assembly and Method of Using Same, U.S. Patent No. 5,355,869, October 18, 1994. 8. Taub, I. A., Kustin, K., Water-activated chemical heater with suppressed hydrogen, U. S. Patent 5,517,981, May 21, 1996. 9. Taub, I. A.; Roberts, W., LaGambina, S., Kustin, K., “Mechanism of Dihydrogen Formation in Magnesium-Water Reaction, US Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, Soldier Systems Center, Technical Report not yet published. KEYWORDS: chemical heater, magnesium, hydrogen, adsorption, catalyst, oxidation A03-187 TITLE: Medical Textiles TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Biomedical ACQUISITION PROGRAM: PM- Soldier Systems OBJECTIVE: Incorporate advanced bio-textile technologies to provide advanced skin and/or wound infection barrier to the warfighter in combat operations. DESCRIPTION: The biotechnology industry continues to research ways to develop compounds that can be added to textile substrates that will provide healing medication to wounds and/or prevent infections from microorganisms to improve the quality of health worldwide. 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