Abstract: A magnetic field detector for detecting magnetic fields over a broad operational temperature range comprising: a plurality of Josephson junctions connected to each other by superconducting interconnecting paths, wherein the plurality of Josephson junctions are arranged in an array; and wherein the superconducting interconnecting paths connecting the plurality of Josephson junctions in the array are designed to not all have a uniform cross-sectional geometry with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method and system to optimize underwater operations utilizing a radio frequency identification (RFID) arrangement. The RFID arrangement includes a plurality of RFID tags positioned on an underwater surface, with each of the plurality of tags coded with unique information related to each tag's location on the underwater surface. The RFID system also includes an RFID reader/interrogator attached to an underwater explorer. When the underwater explorer is within a reading range of a tag, the reader/interrogator reads the unique tag information. The tag information is used to optimize underwater operations performed by the explorer, which may be a diver or a water vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are bimetallic strips that incorporate magnetostrictive materials to enhance and provide sensing, actuating and energy harvesting functions. The bimetallic strips include a positive magnetostrictive Fe-based alloy layer and a flexible layer. The flexible layer may be a negative magnetostrictive layer or a permanent magnet layer. One or more permanent magnet materials may also be used in the arrangement. The bimetallic strips are inexpensive and easily manufactured, and have characteristics that enhance sensing and actuator applications, and enables energy harvesting.

Abstract: A system and method of sensing physiological conditions in biological applications includes a laser source for optically exciting a plurality of luminescent quantum dots and a plurality of biomolecules in a nanoscale sensing system having a nanocrystal structure, where the plurality of biomolecules is stained with dye. In a multi-photon excitation process, a laser system optically excites, the plurality of luminescent quantum dots and the plurality of biomolecules in the nanoscale sensing system, where fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) occurs between the plurality of quantum dots and the plurality of biomolecules. Stability of self assembly of quantum dot peptide conjugates within the plurality of biomolecules is investigated. Physiological conditions at the cellular level are determined, using a spectrometer to sense fluorosence spectra.

Abstract: A method of controlling the lateral position of a towed body in water where the body is equipped with effectors for effecting at least aileron and rudder control. A lateral correction is defined by a distance measured perpendicular to the towed body's direction of travel. A first command indicative of an aileron control is determined that would cause the effectors to move the body laterally of the direction of travel by an amount equal to the lateral correction. A second command indicative of a rudder control is determined that would cause the effectors to move the body laterally of the direction of travel by an amount equal to the lateral correction. The first and second commands are combined to define a combined command that is applied to the effectors so that the optimum aileron and rudder controls are implemented simultaneously.

Abstract: A method of fusing outputs from multiple detection/classification (D/C) schemes is provided. Each of a plurality of D/C schemes provides output scores for an area of interest. Each output score corresponds to a detected object at a known location in the area of interest and indicates a degree of confidence with respect to a detection of a target at the known location. Each output score is normalized and then categorized into a group based on the known location associated therewith. The normalized output scores for each group are fused in accordance with a fusion rule.

Abstract: A method of predicting fatigue failure in a filled polymeric material is provided. The method involves the calculation of stress at the region of highest stress using an equation which includes as parameters, regression coefficients of the stress vs. modulus obtained from a finite element analysis. Once the regression coefficients are obtained, there is no further need to perform a finite element analysis. The calculated stresses are numerically integrated in a damage equation using a Monte Carlo method, using a cumulative model to estimate when failure will occur. The method has been tested in the case of temperature stress loading of a solid propellant rocket motor.

Abstract: A piezoelectric composite transducer and method for making same are disclosed. A block of piezoelectric material has a common base and a plurality of uniform-length rods extending from the common base in a parallel spaced-apart fashion to define an array. A first surface region is defined at outboard ends of the rods and a side region is defined about the periphery of the array. Electric conductors extend through the side region, are routed parallel to the first surface region, and are then led substantially parallel to the rods to the first surface region. Spaces between the rods are filled up to the first surface region with a viscoelastic material. The common base of the block is then removed such that a second surface region parallel and opposite to the first surface region is defined. Electrodes are deposited at the first surface region to be in contact with the rods and in electrical contact with the electric conductors.

Abstract: A sensor for facilitating the measurement of temperature and magnetic field is described. The sensor comprises an optical cable having a distal end encompassed in a sheath of giant magnetoresistive material. Temperature changes alter the spectrum emissivity of the giant magnetoresistive material. Magnetic field changes alter the spectrum changes that occur from distorting the optical fiber that occur when the giant magnetoresistive material distorts the optical fiber.