US DOT SBIR 2000 Program Solicitation
Program Contents
Technical Questions and Answers
This is a list of common questions asked about the 2000 US DOT SBIR Solicitation.
Note: To obtain answers to technical questions on topics in the solicitation, fax your questions to 617/494-2370 and watch this page for the answer.
Question:
Topic Number: 00-FH8 Recycling of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement
Process a lane mile of concrete'is part of the descriptive capabilities in the the first sentence in paragraph three of 00-FH8 item in Section VIII. (FHWA)Research Topics. Lane width varies on different highways constructed during different decades. For instance, an 8' lane would require a machine of one design and capacity. A 12' lane would add significant cost and developement to the machine. My concern is what, exactly, is 'a lane width'? I have several other concerns. I am familiar with current technics and the vast array of machines and plants that are associated with this concrete recycling task, and you are right, they are expense and time consuming, almost to the point of cost prohibition. The end product of such a task is called marl and is an excellent bed for all types of construction. I have only seen it be cost efective when tearing up one facility and building another facility in the same place. I can also see the new machine exceptionally beneficial to both government and private sectors in replacing highways. Just exactly what is your organizations' intention for the use of such a machine?
Answer:
The machine should be able to handle a nominal 12 foot wide pavement. It would be used in the reconstruction process of highway on the existing alignment. Airfield reconstruction may be another possible application.
Question:
Topic Number: 00-FH14 Non-Intrusive Wind Field Mapper
We have broad experience in the development of instrumentation for non-intrusive measurements of velocity fields in low speed flows. Consequently, we are giving consideration to the development of an US DOT SBIR proposal in response to your US DOT SBIR Solicitation 00-1, Research Topic 00-FH14 "Non-Intrusive Wind Field Mapper." However, we have several questions that will help us better align our approach to the specific applications intended by DOT.
We would like to know the following:
Is the model structure in some kind of flow facility where wind speed can be controlled or is it outside and dependent on the prevailing winds? Answer
What is the overall size of the test model and what is the typical size of a flow sub-region to be studied in detail? Answer
Will the test setup allow sparse amounts of smoke or aerosols to be introduced into the upstream wind? Answer
Is the test facility located in an isolated area so that it can be made eye-safe for the use of high-energy lasers? Answer
The wind speed range of 5-30 mph seems rather low for studies of potential structure damage. Are higher speeds also of interest? Answer
What is motiviating the need to measure velocities within several millimeters of the structure and with 1% accuracy? Would measurements within several centimeters of the structure and with a velocity resolution of 3 mph, regardless of the mean speed, be of interest? Answer
Answer:
The models are tested in an Aerodynamics Laboratory containing and
open-circuit wind tunnel. They are not outside in the natural wind
environment. The wind flow is simulated and controlled by the wind tunnel.
Wind speed, attack angle, and turbulence content are all regulated to the
extent possible. Back to 00-FH14 Questions.
The wind tunnel cross section is 6ft x 6ft. The models are typically 5ft
long (in the across wind direction). The models range from 2-18in wide (in
the along wind direction). The models range from 2-10in high (in the vertical
wind direction). Flow mapping is of general interest throughout the entire
test section (6ft x 6ft x 6ft) where models are placed for study. The region
of higher interest would be a zone surrounding the model under study and
including the flow field disturbed by the model. This might represent a zone
extending about 1ft upstream, 1ft above and below, and 2-3ft downstream of the
model. Of course, the region of highest interest is the "local boundary
layer" adjacent to the model including those areas of separation, shedding,
stagnation, etc. This might represent a zone extending 6in upstream, 6in
above and below, and 1-2ft downstream of the model. Back to 00-FH14 Questions
The wind tunnel is open-circuit and air is recirculated through the room
(laboratory). The Laboratory is housed in an office building. Research
staff, therefore, breathes the same air that is used in the simulation.
Nothing can be introduced into the flow that represents a biohazard or could
become a potential irritant. Furthermore, nothing can be used that would lead
to contamination of either models or laboratory instrumentation. Back to 00-FH14 Questions
The wind tunnel is contained in a Laboratory room. To operate the
facility, staff must occupy the room. Two of the labs 4 walls contain viewing
windows. There is an exterior window that opens into a deep window well. Back to 00-FH14 Questions
The speed range specified is the existing physical capability of the wind
tunnel facility (actually 0-30). Since we are testing at "model scales" (1/25
- 1/100), we are actually simulating potentially damaging wind effects up to
200-300mph. Back to 00-FH14 Questions
The overall speed range is relatively small and the 3mph velocity
resolution would likely not be adequate for our need. The flow
characteristics become increasingly more critical the closer in we get to the
body (model). Here again, we feel that measurements centimeters from the
model surface may not provide the detail necessary. Back to 00-FH14 Questions
Program Contents
Question:
Topic Number: 00-FT4 Satellite Sensing and Geographic Information System Technology to Measure Impact of Transit Investment on Land Use
We are planning to submit a US DOT SBIR proposal for the FTA category 00-FT4 (Satellite
sensing...). However, prior to submitting the full proposal, we would appreciate it if
you could clarify some issues:
- Would "transit system" apply to both rail and road transit or either system?
- Are there any specific metro areas that DOT would be interested in receiving a proposal for?
Answer:
Re: "transit system meaning rail transit or road transit", I think the catagories used in the national transit database could be used to define transit system, i.e commuter rail, heavy rail, light rail (street car), motor bus, demand-responsive, etc. It is up to the proposer to demonstrate where remote sensing can be applied productively for particular modes.
Again, it is up to the proposer to identify metropolitan areas where the application of remote sensing technology may be beneficial.
