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Human Centered Big Data

Project period
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Innovation

The Human Centered Big Data project produced new methods for understanding, visualizing and explaining the reasoning process of “black box” AI algorithms, resulting in more trustworthy and interpretable algorithms. Along the way, we developed novel approaches for a number of AI-assisted tasks including image interpretation, image search, context-aware text search. Results of the project included new algorithms for quickly searching through large image databases, methods for inferring how neural...

HCBD

Hi-Performance Multifunctional Structural Energy Storage

case western university logo
Project period
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Innovation

The solutions explored by this OFRN project are to replace the passive on-board uni-functional structural components on a typical craft with multifunctional components having the same weight and dimensions, but with additional capability to in-situ store electrochemical energy. In this way, multifunctional "building blocks” can be developed that can potentially enable extended flight times and/or increased payload. 

Objective

The multifunctional structure-integrated battery has the potential to significantly impact Ohio’s economy related to more-electric aero-crafts with strategic applications to space, defense and civilian platforms. The project synergistically aligns with several key AFRL and NASA technical programs, including AFRL programs on small and micro UAVs, manned aircrafts, autonomous sensor networks, next-generation...

Hybrid Electric Propulsion and Power

The Ohio State University logo
Project period
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Innovation

In response to the growing aviation demands and the concern of environment and energy usage, hybrid/turbo-electric propulsion systems have been proposed by NASA. In this new concept, high power-density (specific power) and high-efficiency electric machines and power conditioning equipment (power electronics converters), and energy storage devices are the critical components that determine the success of this future aero- transportation architecture. NASA’s technical specifications for this future hybrid/turbo-electric propulsion system...

Hybrid Electric Propulsion and Power

High performance plastic substrates for flexible electronics

UA logo
Project period
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Innovation

This project focused on using custom polymers from an Ohio based company (Akron Polymer Systems) to explore their utility for a variety of flexible electronics applications. Flexible electronics represents a significant potential market as well as provide new functionality for military and space applications especially for USAF and NASA due to potential lower weight. Problem is plastics used for many flexible electronics cannot withstand required processing temperatures for high...

Advanced Turbine Cooling Project

The Ohio State University logo
Project period
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Innovation

The Advanced Turbine Cooling Project investigated methods of improving the efficiency and performance of jet engines and gas turbine engines through improved cooling technologies.

Objectives 

The goal of the partnership among The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Air Force Institute of Technology, Miami University, and Honeywell International is to develop parts of the technology necessary for NASA to reach their N+3 efficiency goals and the Air Force to achieve...

Advanced Turbine Cooling

High energy density Li-ion Battery based on advanced silicon anodes

UA logo
Project period
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Innovation

To mitigate the volumetric change of silicon anodes, especially at high mass loading conditions, the University of Akron team has focused on developing resilient binder materials. Such an elastic binder can provide an inexhaustible interfacial adhesion to electrode components, enhanced mechanical performance and electrolyte stability to enable high Si loading and thus high energy density electrodes. 

The team has demonstrated an elastic binder based silicon anode exhibiting over 1000 mAh/g specific...

Advanced Battery Materials

Regional Unmanned Traffic Management System - RUTMS

The University of Cincinnati logo
Project period
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Innovation

In response to this technological sea change, the University of Cincinnati created RouteMaster—a collision avoidance and traffic management digital infrastructure that allows manned and unmanned systems to operate effectively in confined spaces such as an emergency response scenario or the modern urban environment. Just as the internet provided a digital infrastructure that de-conflicted and sped messages to their destinations from computers with vastly different operating systems, RouteMaster provides a digital...

RUTMS

Automated Cirrus SR22 for surveillance or personnel transport

Project period
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Innovation

A low risk approach to develop an economical, high-performance pilot optional autonomous airborne surveillance platform and remotely piloted or assisted Personal Air Vehicle (PAV) based on the widely used FAA certified Cirrus SR22 aircraft.

Objective 

Enable remote pilot assisted, remote pilot and full autonomous operations of the aircraft for surveillance operations and civil PAV operations. Adding a range of interchangeable payloads for communication relay, audio warning systems, or Chemical Biological...

Autonomous/Remote Piloted

Optical-radar sensor fusion for UAV onboard detect and avoid

Project period
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Innovation

Design, develop and deploy a leading edge multi-factor Superior Size Weight and Power (SWaP) DAAS positioned to be employed as the de facto system in both military and civilian UASs. This project demonstrates a commercially viable DAAS solution incorporating a novel patented RF noise radar system which allows for distance object detection, approximate object classification, and an immunity to being jammed or even detected. In addition to the obvious...

UAS Detect and Avoid Sensor Fusion

A hybrid fuel cell – battery/capacitor power source for UASs

kent state university logo
Project period
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Innovation

A lightweight high energy density (400 W-h/kg) on-board power source that enables vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) type aircraft to have potentially extended flight time (12 hours) and increased payload.

Objective 

Our approach is to hybridize advanced fuel cells, modern batteries and high-power density capacitors to maximize the on-board power density and to extend the flight time ofthe UASs. Our hybrid power system utilizes fuel cell to provide a...

UAS Hybrid Power Source