1. Emerging Technologies Committee: Multidisciplinary and Systems Subcommittee Report
Dr. Jack Agee
Rice University
May 10, 2011
Hyatt Regency Crystal City
Arlington, VA

2. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
We welcome the following new member to the M&S Subcommittee:
Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Mitchell – Joint member with Aviation Subcommittee

3. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
NEW WATCH LIST ITEM:
Silicon photonics
IBM, Intel, Luxtera are using microscopic scale techniques (high-volume semiconductor manufacturing)
Silicon photonics used for high-speed connections in supercomputers
First commercial products projected in 3 to 5 years
IBM is combining optical components with electrical on one piece of silicon
Fabricating data channels one-tenth current size
Allows servers to talk to each other over fiber
Solves some datawidth, thermal, and cost problems
Make exo-scale computing a reality
Potential to transform aerospace systems

4. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
NEW WATCH LIST ITEM:
Nanotechnology and medicine
IBM developed a nanoparticle that can target and destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Does not affect healthy cells
Biodegradable
Technology is potential solution to the public health problem with deadly drug-resistant bacteria

5. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
NEW WATCH LIST ITEM:
Solar Cells
Stanford researchers achieved cheaper, more efficient solar panels
Coated a titanium dioxide semiconductor in the quantum dot solar cell (cadmium sulfide) with a very thin single layer (less than 1 nm thick) of organic molecules (achieved 3x efficiency gain, currently at most 0.4%)
Higher efficiency expected if explore alternative materials for organic layer and fine-tuning of solar cell

6. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
NEW WATCH LIST ITEM:
Automation in Aerospace Manufacturing
Develop business strategy for cost-effective automation in aerospace manufacturing
Need multidisciplinary engineers and widespread use of design for automated manufacturing
Collaboration and partnership with technical organizations, original equipment manufacturers and researchers is necessary

7. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
TOP M&S WATCH LIST ITEM:
Lightweight Materials
Bayer Materials Science has developed carbon nanotube additives called Baytubes that possess tensile strength comparable to steel, hardness several times of aluminum.
Nano-enabled materials provide higher strength, lighter weight and high electrical conductivity for aerospace applications.
***Bayer will make samples for testing to specs useful to the interested organization (eg stiffness, tensile strength, etc.).

8. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
M&S WATCH LIST ITEMS:
We plan to review all watch list items and determine which ones should be put in parking lot or launch pad.
We will also identify champions for the latter topics and move forward within AIAA.

9. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
ITEM OF INTEREST:
National Aeronautics Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Infrastructure Plan:
Analysis of critical shortfalls in infrastructure to reach goals in R&D plan.
Issues related to interagency management of aeronautics R&D infrastructure.
Develop strategy for evaluating network infrastructure needs related to national aeronautics R&D priorities and international usage.

10. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
USAF Scientific Advisory Board FY11 topics selected by the Chief of Staff and the Secretary:
Sensor Data Exploitation
Sustaining Air Force Aging Aircraft into the 21st Century
Munitions for the Environment and Force Structure

11. ETC: Multidisciplinary and Systems
Subcommittee
Emerging
Technologies
Committee
ETC
USAF Scientific Advisory Board FY12:
ETC M&S subcommittee submitted study topic:
“Ultra-light Weight Materials for Aerospace Applications”
Novel nanomaterials to deliver high strength and stiffness at reduced weight
Carry more fuel and payload, decrease operation costs, increased fuel efficiency
Compete with UK’s Next Generation Composite Wing program

12. NANOMATERIALS PROGRAM FOR SPACE AND AIR
We need a Nanomaterials for Space & Air Program…
Space Technology Roadmaps $1+ billion
TA01, TA02………………..TA14
TA10 - Nanotechnology
Engineered Materials & Structures
$100 million
Energy Generation & Storage
Propulsion
Sensors, Electronics & Devices
To fulfill need for lighter weight structures for the Aerospace industry; recognized by Lockheed Martin, Boeing, other aircraft manufacturers, and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
To compete with UK’s $190 million Next Generation Composite Wing Program, led by Airbus bringing together 16 leading British organizations and research bodies.
Success will bring huge military and market edge.