Florida A&M University Awards
- Project Name: Modeling, Imaging and Optimal Design in Nano-Optics
Awarding Agency: US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
Project Summary:
Nano-optics refers to the study of remarkable properties and phenomenon associated with nanoscale materials or devices when interacting with the optical light. It is vigorously growing discipline that has opened up a broad range of possibilities for modern science and technology. With the advent of innovative patterning techniques allowing for the sculpting of materials with nanometer precision, fabricate optical devices that can perform tasks at scales unattainable with conventional optics, and with great speed and efficiency. Such nanostructured devices have found applications in a diverse range of fields which necessitates numerical modeling of the underlying physical models and efficient computational algorithms to accelerate the corresponding design processes.
Outcome:
The research project produced the following items: 1.A Final Report for each project year and for the project as a whole, 2.The Optimal Design of Random Surface Textures in Thin-Film Solar Cells, 3.All results from the experimental data, procedures, results, and conclusions, 4. Connections to the experimental data (whether produced by the Contractor or cited from scientific literature), 5. Expert recommendations for areas of further investigation or follow-on research, 6. Efficient Numerical Modeling of Optical Waves in Metallic Nanostructures., and 7. Super-Resolution Imaging of Subwavelength Nanostructures. - Project Name: High Speed Wind Tunnel Testing of Advanced Gun Fired Concepts
Awarding Agency: Army Research Labs
Project Summary:
This task is an effort to conduct high speed wind tunnel testing, with reduced scale models and at an affordable price, of Armament Center projectile concepts. The results will generate empirical data for the purpose of improving predictions of aerodynamic performance prior to large scale testing. The approach for this testing effort shall be to build a subscale wind tunnel model. The scaling will be determined by both the aerodynamics team and the contractor based on the test section size. The team will be then design a test matrix that would incorporate all the Mach numbers, angles of attack and remaining pertinent parameters that need to be varied, in order to produce a robust aerodynamic coefficient table of the concepts.
Outcome:
The project's efforts 1. Designed Wind Tunnel Model by scaling the model of the selected projectile based on the geometry provided by Armament Center and compatibility with the contractor’s sting support system where the test model drawings were provided to the Government for review, 2. Fabricate Wind Tunnel Models to include a stress analysis of the designed test model carried out at the contractor’s facility, and a corresponding report reviewed by the Government, 3. Developed Wind Tunnel Test Matrix with a Test Plan for evaluation at two (2) supersonic Mach numbers and a range of angles of incidence, and 4. Conducted Wind Tunnel Testing where measurements included aerodynamic forces, moments and pressures if necessary using a sixcomponent strain gauge balance, high-speed shadowgraph flow visualization and surface oil flow visualizations to obtain both qualitative and quantitative information including a minimum of 25 “blowdowns” covering a range of test conditions. - Project Name: Science and Technology Research Partnership Program (STRP)
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Project Summary:
This multi-institutional research collaboration will develop technologies that address the Department of Energy's research foci to develop feedstock technology, biofuel catalyst production, algal systems, and test/evaluate the development of sustainable aviation fuels by producing convert domestic biomass and other municipal waste resources, including plastics, into low-carbon fuels, intermediary products, and bioproducts.
Outcome:
This program provided curriculum and in-depth training courses for Minority-Serving Institutions that yielded high participation, multiple conference presentations, multiple publications, and patent applications. - Project Name: Science and Technology Research Partnership Program (STRP)
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Project Summary:
The U.S. DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) funds early-stage research and development in three technology areas: photovoltaics (PV), concentrating solar-thermal power (CSP), and systems integration with the goal of improving the affordability, reliability, and domestic benefit of solar technologies on the grid. The goals of SETO are to develop the technologies and knowledge base needed to continue the sweeping cost reductions seen throughout the industry since 2010, to improve the ability of solar energy to integrate into the country’s electric grid, and to combine solar technologies with storage, efficiency, and other value-adding technologies that allow solar to contribute to enhanced grid reliability and resiliency through the development of a science and technology partnerships that allow students and primary investigators at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to engage in research projects with underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Outcome:
The project engaged in Solar Energy research with Minority-Serving Institutions enhancing photovoltaics, solar-thermal power, and integrating systems for increased efficiencies, consumer participation, and improved communities.
