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A -- ARMAMENT TECHNOLOGIES, (PART 3 OF 5) SOL BAA NO. MNK-96-0001 POC Jean M. Pulley, Contracting Officer, (904) 882-4294, Ext 3402. CONTINUATION OF PREVIOUS SYNOPSIS for Armament Technologies: PASSIVE MILLIMETER WAVE IMAGING: Within the past few years, the Focal Plane Array breakthrough for Passive Millimeter-wave Imaging (PMWI) has been accomplished. The breakthrough is expected to permit high quality imaging at flicker-free frame rates exceeding 30 Hz. Millimeter-wave radiometric imaging is currently being investigated for airport security systems, all-weather aircraft landing systems, automobile collision avoidance, oil-slick detection, and a multitude of other practical dual-use military/civilian applications. In particular, the remarkable penetrating power of millimeter-waves permits imaging certain materials, particularly metals and plastics, through nets, tents, hardboard, polymers, and certain thicknesses of ceramic materials including dry wall materials. It has been demonstrated that it is possible to determine whether a particular room is occupied by passively imaging the occupants through the walls of the structure. Passive Millimeter-Wave Imaging is replete with opportunities to investigate new and relatively unexplored territory. A representative PMWI might employ a 300mm (1ft) diameter aperture (lens or antenna) to feed a 125mm x 125mm focal plane array. Each pixel in the focal plane of the PMWI consists of an antenna and its radio receiver. The radiometric data received are multiplexed or in some other manner scanned off the focal plane array and employed to form an image. The antenna can be slotline, stripline, or dielectric rod. The radio can be superheterodyne, direct detection (MIMIC implementation), etc. The means to feed the focal plane array may employ any of a number of classical reflector antenna or optical lens designs, or possibly some new quasi-optical approach. The largest array built to date is a 16 x 16 superheterodyne-based system, and the radiometer employing this array is only now being put into operation. There have been only about three years of relatively low-level funded experimentation and data collection employing an 8 x 8 array. In the future, more practical array sizes are expected to range from 32 x 32 to upwards of 100 x 100 elements. Optimal sizing and implementation problems for these larger arrays are almost totally unexplored. Because millimeter-wave image resolution is poor in comparison to optical-quality images, the Wright Laboratory Armament Directorate has sponsored various investigations on ''superresolution''. Theoretical results have been encouraging, but there is still much to be done. As real data become available, researchers will have the opportunity to validate their concepts. In addition to the hardware and signal processing aspects of millimeter-wave radiometric imaging, there is also the broad area of passive millimeter-wave phenomenology analysis and modeling. This area provides many new opportunities, for most of what is known is based on pre-1980 data collection performed with relatively crude, waveguide-implemented radiometers employing single horn antennas. The new focal plane array-based systems are more sensitive by a factor equal to the square root of the total number of pixels forming the array. Further, the new sensors are essentially cameras and need not scan the object to form the image. Researchers responding to the BAA may select one or more areas extracted from the discussion above or may propose any investigation which is logically related to these areas. Mr. Bryce Sundstrom/Mr. Roger Smith, WL/MNGS, 904-882-4631 ext 2386. HIGH SURFACE AREA ELECTRODE RESEARCH: High Surface Area (HSA) materials are substances having a high degree of microscopic porosity or surface roughness and exhibiting greater than 100 sq. meters/gram active surface area when gas absorption testing is employed. Catalysts in HSA form can accelerate rates of chemical reaction. Electrically conductive HSA materials can serve as high-capacitance electrodes in double layer charge storage devices or as dimensionally stable anodes required for processing corrosive liquids. Basic research in the area of conductive HSA materials is needed to provide a stronger basis for future high energy density capacitor design. Recent work has focused upon the development of ruthenia-based HSA coating thermally grown on titanium foil from chloride dipping solutions. Long term studies concern other transition metal compounds (molybdenum nitrides and borides are prime candidates) as coatings formed by hot spraying of metal chlorides from dilute solvent solution in a non-oxidizing ambient. Such studies also address HSA electrode suitability and performance in capacitors using any of a variety of electrolytes. Dr. Duane Finello, WL/MNMF, 904-882-9257. SOLID MECHANICS: The Bombs and Warheads Branch develops engineering design methodology for the evaluation of advanced conventional warhead concepts. An essential element of this work is the use of continuum mechanics codes which are employed extensively in design development and analysis. The codes used employ state variable-based models of the mechanical behavior of solids. Research which proposes advancement on the state-of-the-art in modeling and test methodology for mechanical characterization is the foundation of the long term development goals of the warhead mission. Particular emphasis is placed on high rate behavior for modeling impact and shock loading. Dr. Joseph C. Foster, WL/MNMW, 904-882-2141 ext 2219. REACTIVE FLOW: The development of conventional warheads requires a detailed understanding of energetic materials and the associated energy release process. Modeling of these processes in continuum mechanics codes provides the capability to conduct inexpensive design development and assessment work on advanced warhead concepts and related target defeat processes. Research which addresses the initiation of deflagration and detonative processes in energetic material involves the dual role of design development and safety assessment. Theoretical and experimental works with long term objectives that represent advanced, state-of-the-art understanding and are suitable for use in general format of state variable-based continuum mechanic codes are sought. Dr. Joseph C. Foster, WL/MNMW, 904-882-2141 ext 2219. LETHALITY AND VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS: The objective of this research is to apply shock-physics principles to the development of advanced lethality and vulnerability (L/V) assessment methodologies. Shock-physics principles are currently utilized in the hydrocodes, which model weapon-target interactions. However, current L/V assessment methodologies utilize semi-empirical equations, since the first-principle algorithms existing in the hydrocodes lack the required speed and efficiency. While these semi-empirical algorithms are accurate for the physical regimes over which they were developed, errors may occur when extrapolating outside these regimes. For these reasons, the shock-physics analyses conducted during this research will culminate in the development of fast-running, first-principle algorithms. Specific areas where these algorithms would be applicable are air and ground target L/V assessments. These algorithms would support assessments of the conventional weapon system concepts being explored within the Armament Directorate. Mr. John Bailey, WL/MNSA, 904-882-4651 ext 3326. (SEE PART 4 of 5 (0059)

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