DIRECT TO PHASE II: Low-Cost Ground Testing for Rotating Detonation Concepts
ID: N242-D06Type: BOTH
Overview

Topic

DIRECT TO PHASE II: Low-Cost Ground Testing for Rotating Detonation Concepts

Agency

Department of DefenseN/A

Program

Type: SBIRPhase: BOTHYear: 2024

Topic Link

https://www.sbir.gov/node/2608141

Additional Information

https://www.defensesbirsttr.mil/SBIR-STTR/Opportunities/
Timeline
  1. 1
    Release Apr 17, 2024 12:00 AM
  2. 2
    Open May 15, 2024 12:00 AM
  3. 3
    Next Submission Due Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
  4. 4
    Close Jun 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Description

The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program focused on the topic of "DIRECT TO PHASE II: Low-Cost Ground Testing for Rotating Detonation Concepts". The Navy branch of the DOD is specifically interested in developing a rapid, repeatable, and low-cost ground testing solution for rotating detonation engines and combustors to advance hypersonic propellants and fuels from Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2 to 5.

Hypersonic operating environments are challenging to simulate, and current testing approaches are limited in capturing relevant data and predicting design behavior. The Navy requires a solution to meet the increasing investment in hypersonic weapons technology by near-peers. The Rotating Detonation Engine (RDE) is a promising candidate due to its high-thermal efficiency and wide-operating Mach range. The Navy seeks a solution that enables engineers and scientists to quickly verify and validate assumptions.

The proposed ground testing solution should have a test duration of 0.5-3 seconds after achieving steady-state, with a threshold of 30 minutes between each change in system configuration. The test section should fit within a 10 ft (3.05 m) length by 10 ft (3.05 m) width by 10 ft (3.05 m) height volume. The solution should also provide measurement capabilities such as high-speed pressure, temperature profiles, load sensors, high-speed video, chemiluminescence, shadowgraph/schlieren capability, and laser absorption spectroscopy.

The SBIR program will consist of a 12-month design and prototype fabrication phase, with the option for a Phase II to install and commission the ground test capability at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD). The commercial potential of this technology lies in component fabrication and potential secondary applications in aerospace research and development efforts.

Interested small businesses must provide Phase I feasibility documentation and demonstrate the scientific and technical merit of their proposed solution. The deadline for proposal submission is June 12, 2024. More information can be found on the grants.gov website or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page.

Files
No associated files provided.
Similar Opportunities
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Advanced Enabling High-Speed Technologies
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Advanced Enabling High-Speed Technologies" as part of the SBIR program. The research focuses on advancements in additive manufacturing techniques, materials, propulsion combined cycles, and hot structures. The objective is to deliver combat power and lethality by achieving responsiveness, intensity, and the ability to deliver munitions at range. The technology sought includes propulsion solutions using high-density, storable, and rapidly loadable propellants, as well as advancements in understanding and characterizing novel fluid dynamics for enhanced propulsion performance. The solicitation is open for Phase II proposals only, and proposers must demonstrate feasibility and potential military or commercial applications. The Phase II effort consists of a base period of 12 months and an option period of 12 months. The ultimate goal is to transition and commercialize the developed technologies for both military and commercial applications, particularly in the areas of manned or unmanned air and space platforms.
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - YTC Full Load Cooling
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic "YTC Full Load Cooling" as part of their SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this research is to develop modernized data processing techniques to accurately assess the cooling capabilities of military vehicles with electronically controlled powertrains. The current testing methodologies and data processing techniques for fluid temperature data in critical systems of military vehicles are outdated and cannot be used for assessing vehicles with electronically controlled transmissions. The goal is to modernize the test methodology and utilize synthetic data generation techniques to accurately characterize the performance of the vehicle, even in extreme environments. The Phase I of the project will involve an initial site visit, development of a new Full Load Cooling (FLC) test methodology, characterization of powertrain derating, and submission of a final report. Phase II will focus on refining the FLC test methodology, developing a software program and Graphical User Interface (GUI) for synthetic data generation, and creating a test plan for field conditions. The potential impacts of this research include improved testing and assessment of military vehicles' cooling system performance, better understanding of powertrain derating, and the development of advanced data processing techniques. The research will leverage commercial industry data and expertise on electronically controlled powertrains and can have applications in modeling and simulation capabilities for engine and energy cooling, as well as in the manufacturing process for cooling systems and powertrains. The project duration is from 4QFY24 to 3QFY26, and interested parties can find more information and submit proposals on the DOD SBIR website.
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - High Power and Torque Electric Motors for Direct-Drive Rotorcraft Applications
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the development of high power and torque electric motors for direct-drive rotorcraft applications. The objective is to identify and design an electric motor architecture that can provide high power and torque output at low rotational speeds suitable for rotorcraft applications. The proposed motor should be capable of delivering power in the range of 400-700+ horsepower at rotational speeds of 250-400 RPM, with torque ranging from 5,000-15,000+ ft-lb. The motor should also exhibit high torque densities in both continuous and short-term hover operations. The development of such motors is crucial for the advancement of electric aviation and would have immediate applications in light rotary-wing designs, eVTOL unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and logistics operations. The project will involve a phased approach, starting with a feasibility analysis and conceptual design in Phase I, followed by detailed design and prototype development in Phase II. Phase III will focus on the integration and testing of the motor in a relevant aerospace application. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation notice on grants.gov or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities website.
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - NAVSEA Open Topic for Sustainment and Obsolescence
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the NAVSEA Open Topic for Sustainment and Obsolescence. The objective is to address Navy needs regarding sustainment and obsolescence. NAVSEA is looking for existing technology demonstration platforms, prototypes, and commercial products that can quickly and reliably get Navy assets back in the field. The focus areas for potential projects include material quality, AI/ML generated work instructions, additive manufacturing advancements, cold spray technology advancements, shipyard and maintenance operational logistics improvements, rapid manufacturing for urgent part obsolescence needs, and digital twins for system lifecycle sustainability and design evolution. The Phase I awards for this topic will have a period of performance of four months and a cost not to exceed $75,000. Phase I feasibility will describe the proposed technology, improvements to existing capabilities, and impacts to current logistics. Phase II will involve developing a functional prototype, a transition plan, and further commercialization. The Phase II effort will be specific to each project. The technology developed through this program will have dual-use applications and can be applied commercially. The solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. For more information, visit the [solicitation link](https://www.sbir.gov/node/2652283).
DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual - Advanced Manufacturing for Common Launch Container
Active
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Advanced Manufacturing for Common Launch Container" as part of the SBIR 24.4 Annual solicitation. The objective of this topic is to develop applied research towards an innovative capability to use advanced manufacturing and iterative design to enable a Common Launch Container to meet military specification requirements for storage, transportation, and munition launch. The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), and offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals and their country of origin. The research should address the development of an iterative design process and advanced manufacturing to design and validate a munition container for transportation, storage, and launch. The system should be designed to launch the munition at 12-18 feet per second from the pallet on the cargo ramp or pallet in free flight after cargo drop. The feasibility study in Phase I should investigate all options that meet or exceed the minimum performance parameters specified and recommend the option that best achieves the objective. Phase II involves developing, installing, and demonstrating a prototype system on a SOCOM aircraft. The system could have broad military applications where rapid iteration and production are needed, and it may be selected for production or follow-on iterations for future applications. The project duration is not specified, but the solicitation is open until March 31, 2025. More details and the application process can be found on the DOD SBIR 24.4 topic page.