| Energy, Power and Propulsion (RTE) The Energy, Power and Propulsion Department lead the discovery and development of innovative fundamental science addressing a broad spectrum of energy-related issues. The overarching goal of the department is to discover and exploit the critical knowledge and capabilities that will shape the development of energetically-efficient future U.S. Air Force systems. In pursuit of this goal, the Department proactively directs an international, highly diverse and multidisciplinary research community to find, support and foster new scientific knowledge that will provide the foundation for unprecedented energy efficiency in future systems. The research supported by the Energy, Power and Propulsion Department spans a considerable set of topics ranging from biological systems to space propulsion, with the following research emphasis areas shared by many of the contributing portfolios: Discovery and Development of Energy Sources:Research in this area emphasizes the identification and characterization of key fundamental phenomena that will provide the scientific foundation for revolutionary advancements in energy sources and conversion processes. A broad spectrum of research topics contribute to progress in this area, including, but not limited to: biologically-derived energy sources; innovative chemical formulations and synthesis; combustion enhancement; and scientific foundations for revolutionary propulsion concepts. Fundamental Mechanisms of Energy Transfer: Research in this area emphasizes the identification, characterization and modeling of energy transfer between various energetic modes in a heterogeneous environment and across media boundaries. Representative topics of interest include, but are not limited to: phonon dynamics in heterogeneous media; transfer of energy between kinetic, internal and chemical states in gasses; biological interactions between living and non-living systems, and interactions between nonequilibrium environments and reactive surface boundaries. Within the Department special emphasis is placed on the identification and development of multidisciplinary research opportunities where advancements and insight originating in one discipline may inspire and drive innovative progress in another.
Aerothermodynamics Program Description: The objective of the Aerothermodynamics portfolio is to develop the fundamental scientific knowledge of high-speed, nonequilibrium flows required for revolutionary advancements in a broad variety of future U.S. Air Force capabilities including energetically-efficient air and space systems, rapid global and regional response, and thermal/environmental management. Research supported by this portfolio seeks to discover, characterize and leverage fundamental energy transfer mechanisms within the high-speed flow and at gas-surface interfaces through a balanced mixture of investments in experimental, numerical and theoretical efforts. Basic Research Objectives: Innovative research is sought in all aspects of high-speed nonequilibrium flows with particular interest in efforts that explore the dynamics and mechanisms for energy transfer between the kinetic, internal and chemical modes of the gas. Efforts that leverage recent breakthroughs in other scientific disciplines to foster rapid research advancements are also encouraged. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following: - Characterization and modeling of the coupled dynamics, thermodynamics and chemistry of nonequilibrium flows, driven by rate-dependent fundamental processes.
- Innovative insight into the control and exploitation of energy transfer within the flowfield is of particular interest. (Note: Combustion processes are addressed by other portfolios and are not within the scope of interest.)
- Shock/Boundary Layer and Shock-Shock Interactions
- Characterization and modeling of fundamental processes occurring between nonequilibrium flows and reactive surfaces.
Aerothermodynamic research is critical to the U.S. Air Force's interest in long-range and space operations. The size, weight, and performance of many systems, are strongly influenced by Aerothermodynamic considerations. Research areas of interest emphasize the characterization, prediction and control of critical phenomena which will provide the scientific foundation for game-changing advancements in aerodynamics, environmental (thermal and acoustic) management, propulsion, and directed energy. Researchers are strongly encouraged to submit short (max 6 pages) White papers to initiate discussion of a potential proposal topic prior to developing full proposals. White papers should briefly describe the proposed effort and illustrate how it will advance the current state-of-the-art; an approximate yearly cost for a three year effort should also be included. Researchers with White papers of significant interest will be invited to submit full proposals. Dr. John Schmisseur AFOSR/RTE (703) 696-6962 DSN 426-6962; FAX (703) 696-7320 E-mail: Aerothermodynamics@afosr.af.mil back to top
Dynamic Materials and Interactions Program Description: This program seeks a fundamental understanding of the chemistry and physics of energetic materials. The program supports cutting-edge experimental and joint computational-experimental studies that address key questions in these areas. There are three major focus areas in the program: Shock and Detonation Physics, Energetic Materials Composition, and Thermal and Electromagnetic Effects. Basic Research Objectives: The objectives of the Dynamic Materials and Interactions program are to understand, predict, and control energetic materials of interest to the U.S. Air Force. The program is focused on novel and fundamental studies developing the basic understanding and predictive capabilities for chemistry and physics of energetic materials, particularly in response to mechanical, thermal, and electromagnetic stimuli. Additionally, the program investigates new energetic materials, namely processes and characterization of complex structures and microstructures incorporating energetic materials. Current interests are experimental techniques to capture dynamic, high strain rate events at the mesoscale in complex, composite materials, detonation and reaction chemistry of energetic materials, building energetic microstructures that control energy release and improve survivability, and shock phenomena in solids. Dr. Jennifer Jordan AFOSR/RTE (703) 588-8436 DSN 425-8436; FAX (703) 696-7320 E-mail: info@us.af.mil back to top
Energy Conversion and Combustion Sciences Program Description: This portfolio focuses on fundamental understanding of key multi-physics and multi-scale phenomena in conversion of chemical energy to mechanical energy, combustion or otherwise, for U.S. Air Force propulsion interests. The research emphasis is on identification and quantification of rate-controlling processes and critical scales in key phenomena in the energy conversion processes, leading to game-changing energy-conversion concepts and modeling/ simulation capabilities. Multi-disciplinary collaborations and interactions are strongly desired, and joint experimental, theoretical and numerical efforts are highly appreciated. Researchers are encouraged to submit White papers (max 4 pages) via email prior to developing full proposals. White papers should describe innovative nature (advancing the state of art) of the proposed effort and should focus on clearly presenting logics of the proposed approach. Researchers with White papers of significant interest will be invited to submit full proposals. Basic Research Objectives: Research proposals are sought in all aspects of energy conversion and combustion sciences with the following emphases: (1) Turbulent Combustion is the central process in converting chemical energy to mechanical energy in most Air-Force propulsion systems. It is one of most important factors in determining operability, performance, size and weight of such systems. It is also one of least understood areas in basic combustion research with, in general, rather large model/prediction uncertainties. In this area, the research focus is on key combustion phenomena and characteristics, including but not limited to: flame propagation, flammability limit and combustion instability, at multi-phase conditions applicable to U.S. Air Force propulsion systems. Proposals will be considered with priority for understanding and quantifying interactions among different scales of multi-physics phenomena in turbulent combustion process with the following emphases: - Quantifying rate-controlling processes and scales that govern the above mentioned key combustion phenomena and their interactions;
- Validating as directly as possible and further developing basic model assumptions used in the numerical simulation for turbulence combustion with the particular focus on understanding and quantifying impacts of combustion and fluid processes at sub-grid scales on those at LES resolvable scales, leading to the scientific foundation for building and validating sub-grid turbulent combustion models.
- In such proposed efforts, understanding, quantifying and controlling turbulence properties at corresponding flow conditions will be essential. Those conditions should be relevant to U.S. Air Force propulsion interests.
(2) Combustion Chemistry is another key element in the energy converging process, governing the fuel decomposition and subsequent energy release. The research focus is to develop physics-based approaches, based on rate-controlling reaction pathways, for generating combustion chemistry models of quantifiable and acceptable uncertainty with reasonable size for the turbulent, reactive flow simulations. Emphasized areas are as follows: - The first principle based, theoretical and computational approaches for identifying key reaction pathways;
- Ab initio constrained methods for optimizing combustion chemistry models;
- Quantifying the uncertainty of research approaches in combustion chemistry and understanding relationship between the model size and model uncertainty.
(3) Mathematical Methods and Computational Algorithms for Combustion Modeling: Research efforts are closely coupled to portfolios in mathematical and computational areas of common interests, with the following emphases: - Theoretical and computational approaches to study stochastic pathways in complex combustion chemical reaction systems;
- Capability to analyze large-scale datasets from experiments or simulations to extract key physics in combustion process;
- Combined experimental-numerical approaches using simulations directly coupled/ fused with experimental data to reduce the simulation uncertainty and to obtain quantitative information which is otherwise not available through experimental measurements alone.
- Approaches using numerical simulations as experimental tools (numerical experiments), with help of theoretical combustion research, to qualitatively explore key combustion phenomena and to reduce reliance on expensive ground and flight tests in the development U.S. Air Force propulsion systems;
(4) Combustion Diagnostics is crucial to observe the nature as it happens and to gather data for understanding key phenomena in the energy conversion process. Innovative efforts in this area will be continuously supported with the following focuses: - Ultra-fast approaches (e.g. using ultra-short pulse laser) for observing ultra-fast events such as those in initial break-up of fuel molecules crucial to identifying key reaction pathways;
- High-frequency, three-dimensional (volumetric or scanning two-dimensional) imaging approaches for transient, turbulent flame and flow structures at required temporal and spatial scales;
- New game-changing signal generating processes and related basic spectroscopic approaches for key properties in chemically reacting flows.
(5) Game-Changing Energy Conversion Concepts: Proposals are solicited for concepts of unconventional combustion processes and other approaches for converting chemical energy to mechanical energy for the U.S. Air Force propulsion applications. Potential areas include but not limited to: - Flameless or mild combustion;
- Fast and strong combustion process such as rotational detonation and steady-state detonation;
- Direct conversion from chemical energy to mechanical energy without (or minimizing) combustion or similar thermal processes;
- Alternative fuel of superior physical and combustion/energy-conversion properties with favorable source-characteristics.
Dr. Chiping Li AFOSR/RTE (703) 696-8574 (DSN) 426-8574; FAX (703) 696-7320 Email: Energy@afosr.af.mil back to top
Human Performance and Biosystems Program Description: The U.S. Air Force is currently interested in improving human capabilities through the development of advanced human-machine interfaces and the establishment of direct methods used to augment human performance. The primary goal for this program is to gain a better understanding of the biophysical, biochemical, and physiological mechanisms responsible for the behavioral, tissue, cellular and genetic effects resulting from various forms of bio-stimulation. Recently, extremophiles has been added to this program. Basic Research Objectives: This program is interested in defining the mechanisms (cognitive, neural, genetic, physiological, biological etc.) associated with enhancing human capabilities as well as understanding the associated biomarkers, bio-circuits, bioelectric and connection pathways involved with increasing performance capabilities especially as they relate to aircrew member performance. In addition, this program aims to explore natural and synthetic processes, mechanisms and/or pathways for understanding energy production in Biosystems. We are also interested in understanding the variables of fatigue and toxicology as they relate to performance decrement in the aviation environment i.e. exploring the bio-circuitry, biochemical and molecular pathways and processes that generate signals associated with fatigue or performance changes. The mechanism associated with the effects of photo-electro-magnetic stimulation as they relate to performance change is of interest to us. We wish to define and understand the biomarkers and genetic changes associated with human performance decrement after the administration of toxicological agents, specific interest in toxicology mechanisms that may or may not exhibit toxic effects at a minimal dose level and toxicological effects of flight line equipment). Proposals aimed at the understanding of synthetic biological process as they relate to energy production in Biosystems (specifically enzymatic and microbial fuel cells as well as photosynthesis) will be accepted. The extremophiles area is focused on discovering and understanding basic natural mechanisms used by organisms that could be used to either harden or repair soft material-based devices. This will enable the U.S. Air Force to employ biological systems with optimum performance and extended lifetimes. As protein and nucleic acid molecules are increasingly used as catalysts, sensors, and as materials, it will be necessary to understand how we can utilize these molecules in extreme environments, with the ability to regulate the desired function as conditions change, and to store the device for prolonged periods of time. Areas of interest include: the mechanisms for survival and protein stability in extremophilic archaea, and enzymatic engineering for faster catalysis in materials identification or degradation. Researchers are encouraged to submit White papers (3-4 pages) via email prior to developing full proposals. White papers should describe how the proposed effort will advance the current state-of-the-art, the uniqueness of the idea and include an approximate budget for a three to five year effort. Researchers with new and unique White papers will be invited to submit full proposals. Dr. Patrick O. Bradshaw, AFOSR/RTE (703) 588-8492 DSN 425-8492; FAX (703) 696-7360 E-mail: Biosystems@afosr.af.mil back to top
Molecular Dynamics and Theoretical Chemistry Molecular Dynamics Program Description: This program seeks a molecular-level description of reaction mechanisms and energy transfer processes related to the efficient storage and utilization of energy. The program supports cutting-edge experimental and joint theory-experiment studies that address key, fundamental questions in these areas. There are four major focus areas in the program: Nanostructures and Catalysis; Energetic Materials; Atmospheric and Space Chemistry; and Lasers and Diagnostics. Basic Research Objectives: The molecular dynamics program seeks to understand, predict, and control the reactivity and flow of energy in molecules in many areas of interest to the U.S. Air Force. Thus, the program encourages novel and fundamental studies aimed at developing basic understanding and predictive capabilities for chemical reactivity, bonding, and energy transfer processes. Some of the program's current interests focus on molecular clusters and nanoscale systems in catalysis, and as building blocks for creating novel materials. Understanding the catalytic mechanisms needed to produce storable fuels from sustainable inputs and to improve propulsion processes are also topics of interest, as are novel properties and dynamics of ionic liquids. Work in this program addresses areas in which control of chemical reactivity and energy flow at a detailed molecular level is of importance. These areas include hyperthermal and ion-chemistry in the upper atmosphere and space environment, plasma-surface interactions, the identification of novel energetic materials for propulsion systems, and the discovery of new high-energy laser systems. The coupling of chemistry and fluid dynamics in high speed reactive flows, and in particular, dynamics at gas-surface interfaces, is also of interest. The program is also interested in utilizing plasmas, plasmonics, and laser excitation to control electron energy to control reactivity. Theoretical Chemistry Program Description: The theoretical chemistry program supports research to develop new methods that can be utilized as predictive tools for designing new materials and improving processes important to the U.S. Air Force. These new methods can be applied to areas such as the structure and stability of molecular systems that can be used as advanced propellants; molecular reaction dynamics; and the structure and properties of nanostructures and interfaces. We seek new theoretical and computational tools to identify novel energetic molecules or catalysts for their formation, investigate the interactions that control or limit the stability of these systems, and help guide synthesis by identifying the most promising synthetic reaction pathways and predicting the effects of condensed media on synthesis. Basic Research Objectives: The program seeks new methods in quantum chemistry to improve electronic structure calculations to efficiently treat increasing larger systems with chemical accuracy. These calculations will be used, for example, to guide the development of new catalysts and materials of interest. New approaches to treating solvation and condensed phase effects will also be considered. New methods are sought to model reactivity and energy transfer in molecular systems. Particular interests in reaction dynamics include developing methods to seamlessly link electronic structure calculations with reaction dynamics, understanding the mechanism of catalytic processes and proton-coupled electron transfer related to storage and utilization of energy, and using theory to describe and predict the details of ion-molecule reactions and electron-ion dissociative recombination processes relevant to ionospheric and space effects on U.S. Air Force systems. Interest in molecular clusters, nanostructures and materials includes work on catalysis and surface-enhanced processes mediated by plasmon resonances. This program also encourages the development of new methods to simulate and predict reaction dynamics that span multiple time and length scales. Dr. Michael R. Berman AFOSR/RTE (703) 696-7781 DSN 426-7781; FAX (703) 696-7320 E-mail: MDTC@afosr.af.mil back to top
Space Power and Propulsion Program Description: Research activities are focused as multi-disciplinary, multi-physics, multi-scale approach to complex space propulsion problems, and fall into three areas: non-chemical launch and in-space propulsion, chemical propulsion, and plume contamination resulting from both chemical and non-chemical propulsion. Basic Research Objectives: Research in the first area is directed primarily at advanced space propulsion, and is stimulated by the need to transfer payloads between orbits, station-keeping, and pointing, including macro- and nano-satellite propulsion. It includes studies of the sources of physical (non-chemical) energy and the mechanisms of release. Emphasis is on understanding electrically conductive flowing propellants (plasmas or charged particles) that serve to convert beamed or electrical energy into kinetic form. Theoretical and experimental investigations focus on coupled materials and plasma processes far from equilibrium; plasma turbulence and coherent structures; plasmons based propulsion systems for femto-satellites; smart, functional nanoenergetics design from the atomistic / molecular scale through mesoscale; and nonlinear, multi-scale, multi-physics high pressure combustion dynamics. Research is sought on methods to predict and suppress combustion instabilities, including propellant additives, and develop research models that can be incorporated into the design codes. Areas of research interest may include the phenomenon of energy coupling and the transfer of plasma flows in electrode and electrodeless systems under dynamic environments. All fundamental research ideas relating to space propulsion and power are of interest to this program in addition to the examples given above, but researchers should also consult the programs in Plasma and Electro-Energetic Physics, Aerospace Materials for Extreme Environments, Theoretical Chemistry and Molecular Dynamics, Thermal Sciences, Computational Mathematics, and other programs as described in this Broad Area Announcement to find the best match for the research in question. Joint innovative science projects may develop in the areas such as: (1) design and testing of compact, highly efficient and robust chemical or electric propulsion systems with minimal power conditioning requirements; (2) thermal management, sensing, self-healing, and other fundamental concepts to increase efficiency, and lifetime of space structures; (3) innovative processes that transform structural material into high energy density propellant (e.g. phase change, or even biological process); (4) novel energetic materials; and (5) development of modeling and simulation capabilities at all relevant scales, including a general mathematical framework for stochastic modeling of such systems, and facilitate the extraction of dominant causal relationships from large data sets. Researchers are highly encouraged to consult ( https://community.apan.org/afosr/w/researchareas/7459.space-power-and propulsion.aspx), for the latest information |
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