2015-2016 Assessment of the Army Research Laboratory Interim Report (2016) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
2 Materials Research
2 Materials Research
Pages 16-31
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 16... ...
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOINSPIRED MATERIALS The scientific quality of the work in this area is on par with that of leading federal, university, and industry laboratories, reflects a broad understanding of the underlying science and research being conducted elsewhere, and is recognized as a component of the broader national effort in biomaterials research through its government (e.g., the U.S. Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center and the U.S.
|
From page 17... ...
, more specific performance criteria or target product profiles will be needed for further development of some of these areas. Biohybrid Materials for Sensing Bio-nano-hybrid systems are being investigated for their potential applications for in vivo physiological monitoring, nanomedicine, traumatic brain injury (TBI)
|
From page 18... ...
While inspired by natural polymers that derive their mechanical properties from hydrogen bonding, this project focuses on the use of reversible metal bonds as high-temperature tougheners. The emphasis in both projects on developing a mechanistic understanding is a strength, because so much of the other work on these topics is empirical.
|
From page 19... ...
Advanced Energy Storage: Advanced Battery Chemistry Though the advanced battery effort at ARL is small relative to similarly focused programs at other federal laboratories (e.g., Department of Energy laboratories) , it is internationally recognized for its high scientific quality and long history of productivity and innovation.
|
From page 20... ...
Productive work may come from the team's interactions with that initiative focused on electrolytes, possibly including the effect of additives on interfacial reactivity. Advanced Energy Storage: Structural Batteries Using Additive Manufacturing The researchers are successfully developing techniques for fabricating multifunctional battery materials using additive manufacturing (AM)
|
From page 21... ...
There have been five publications by this group in the last year. Alkaline Fuel Cells The principal objective of this research is to create anion exchange membrane/proton exchange membrane stacks, eliminating the need to transport water throughout the cell and potentially reducing the mass and footprint of the device.
|
From page 22... ...
power source using beta and alpha energy conversion in wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor materials and phosphors.
|
From page 23... ...
High-Voltage Li-Ion Electrodes and Electrolytes This project involves work on olivine LiMPO4-type cathodes, where M is Co, Mn, and Ni substituting for the usual Fe. These three metals have more positive redox potentials, so batteries using these materials have higher voltages.
|
From page 24... ...
Understanding C-C Bond Breakage on Plasmonic Nanostructures This proof-of-concept project is directed toward developing catalyst structures for breaking the CC bonds associated with high energy density logistic fuels (e.g., ethanol) using light-harvesting nanoscale arrays formed by localized surface plasmon resonance.
|
From page 25... ...
The presentation on structural batteries using additive manufacturing has significant potential associated with its innovative approach. The project combines novel fabrication methods with insight into selection of compatible multifunctional elements that combine structural components with energy storage components.
|
From page 26... ...
The quality of the work presented reflects a high level of technical competence and professionalism on the part of the researchers and management. The portfolio of the engineered photonics materials group shows a good balance of high-risk, longer-term work with nearer-term customer-driven solutions or incremental, critical technology refinement.
|
From page 27... ...
Biophotonics Progress was reported on protein-wrapped fluorescent metal nanoparticles, motivated by their potential use as neuronal pressure sensors. The long-term goal is to develop a fundamental mechanistic understanding of mild traumatic brain injury onset and development.
|
From page 28... ...
This effort may now be positioned to benefit from a stronger modeling component to resolve the impact of saturation on spatial mode competition and laser performance. Suitable baseline modeling capabilities are readily available in the literature, and in conjunction with a more deliberate experimental plan, the modeling may be useful for isolating critical performance trade-offs.
|
From page 29... ...
. This work addresses many scientific and engineering challenges, including the achievable effective thermal conductivity of the composite, which may be limited by phonon scattering, and the achievable volume fraction of gain media needed to be competitive with current solutions.
|
From page 30... ...
This research illustrates ARL's expanded efforts to provide critical modeling support in areas where there is high investment in underlying materials and device technologies. The important software tool set coming from this research is not only essential for designers, but it may also provide critically sensitive parameters that could be used in process control for commercial partners and suppliers of imaging solutions to the Army, which necessitates engaging with the manufacturers.
|
From page 31... ...
As a prototype for this expansion, ARL needs to look to its short-wavelength IR device modeling and optimization. The software tool set coming from this research is essential for designers, and it may also provide critically sensitive parameters for potential use in process control for commercial partners and suppliers of imaging solutions to the Army, which necessitates engaging with the manufacturers.
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.