SBIR-STTR Award

Pacific Engineering, Incorporated is proposing to utilize its capabilities and experience to develop an Adaptable Composite Structural Integrated Enclosure (ACSIE) for AEGIS Computer that meets/exceeds all performance requirements. The goal/objective of the above activities is to develop an ACSIE that will reduce considerably the number and size of internal cooling fans while improving the cooling performance, energy savings and reliability within the current cabinet footprint. Thermal management of the computers and servers are increasingly becoming crucial as powerful microprocessors shrink in size and their cooling needs rise. Current shipboard computer racks/cabinets use a series of rigidly mounted fans that require ducts directly connected to the ships HVAC system. These systems are effective and efficient only to a point and lack the scalability to deal with the fast-increasing thermal loads of the current and future server systems. PEI is proposing ASCIE cabinets that are cost-effective, reliable and provide better thermal performance through a variety of innovative materials and technologies. These cabinets will employ cooling strategies that will be quieter in operation, more efficient in regulating internal temperature conditions, and adaptable to future systems.

Benefit:
PEI novel approach will result in a quieter, cost-effective and adaptable system which maintains the current foot prints of the existing computer enclosures will reduce the size and quantity of existing fans while significantly improving the energy efficiency, cooling performance, reliability and security of the electronic equipment through innovative designs and advanced materials. The new enclosure will meet shipboard requirements and be adaptable for all the AEGIS computer system needs

Keywords:
cabinet, cabinet, AEGIS, Cooling, Shock, Composites, Light weight

The objective of this Phase II task is to develop materials and an uptake hatch for use in topside missile launch systems that will reduce costs and increasing ship availability. In this project, PEI a develop a new missile cell hatch using composite materials that will reduce life cycle costs while meeting all performance requirements. The hatch panel design will utilize state-of-the-art materials that are corrosion resistant, heat resistant, durable and low maintenance. The design, analysis, fabrication and evaluation of the uptake hatch will meet ship structural components and environmental requirements. PEI hatches will have improved performance and a lower rate of corrosion from the marine environment and the missile exhaust gas products. The overall objective of this Phase II project is to develop a corrosion-resistant uptake hatch. PEI will develop composite materials that have performance characteristics of toughness, high temperature capability and corrosion resistance. PEI will focus on developing a corrosion-resistant uptake hatch that will significantly reduce costs associated with maintenance and refurbishment, as well as improve system availability. The CR Uptake Hatch design will utilize PEI developed materials that will be combined in a design to meet the following performance characteristics, tough and durable to mitigate erosion due to the missile plume, able to resist degradation due to high temperatures (500-600 F), and inherently corrosion resistant to the marine environment. PEI will build and perform in house testing prototypes at our facility in Lincoln NE. Additional prototypes will be delivered to the Navy for testing at NSWC-PHD and at the USS Desert Ship (LSS-1) Test Facility, White Sands,in live-fire missile tests.

Benefit:
PEIs project directly supports the Navy National Strategic Plan by developing parts that reduce sustainment costs and increase weapon systems performance. PEI Uptake Hatch design will be a drop-in replacement for the current hatch, offering the same interfaces for actuation, anti-icing, and operating clearances. PEI will develop materials, such as fibers, resin systems, foams, coatings, that as a product meet the harsh requirements associated with top side equipment. These materials will provide a longer service life to the hatches as well as reducing the sustainment costs of the launch system. This will reduce the time the crew has to spend performing maintenance while deployed and during deployments. This will also increase the readiness of the ship, and allow crew to spend their time training. For the new class of unmanned surface vessels that will deploy missile systems PEI's hatch is a necessary product. PEI will also develop production process that ensure each hatch is of excellent quality. These processes can be applied to other structural products for Navy systems to reduce fleet sustainment costs. In addition, as new missiles are developed and deployed PEI tough materials can be sued to reduce ships top side weight thus allowing them to carry more lethal weapons.

Keywords:
High Temperature, Materials, Composites, Launchers, Hatches