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Publication Date - 12/3/1999

61. DARPA - Applied Micro Adaptive Flow Control

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Tactical Technology Office is soliciting proposals for development and demonstration of Micro Adaptive Flow Control (MAFC).

DARPA defines MAFC to be the control of large-scale flow fields by exploiting the natural amplification of disturbances triggered by small-scale actuators. MAFC offers the potential to achieve radical aerodynamic and hydrodynamic benefits in military systems by adaptively controlling performance-limiting physical phenomena such as flow separation, vortex dynamics, and turbulence.

Application areas of interest include: aircraft, propulsion, munitions, hydrodynamic applications and space launch vehicles. Specific examples of applications include (but are not limited to) innovative flight controls, high power-density gas turbine engines, precision control of projectiles, highly agile missiles and air vehicles, cavitation control, combustion control, compact and efficient engine inlets and diffusers, range augmentation for weapons, and reduction of acoustic emissions.

Long-term program goals include the development and validation of enabling MAFC technologies, and the integration of MAFC technologies into full-scale, high pay-off systems-level demonstrations. Funded efforts pursuant to source selection under this BAA will be undertaken in two phases. Phase I will be dedicated to initial studies of technology options; Phase II will be dedicated to demonstrating an MAFC application. Multiple awards in a total amount of $4 million, FY 2000, for Phase I studies are estimated. Total funding for MAFC technology development and validation is estimated at $22 million, FY 2000 through FY 2003.

White papers must be received by DARPA on or before DECEMBER 22, 1999. Full proposals, if encouraged, will be due FEBRUARY 9, 2000.