A2 - TO01 SOO - Final.pdf

FA8650-20-S-5008

Attachment 2

Statement of Objectives

Task Order 0001

PICASSO

Physics-based and In-situ Composite Analysis and Simulation Solutions

1.0 Objective/Scope:

With the release of the AFRL 2030 Science and Technology Strategy study (April 2019) and the 2019 National Defense Strategy (October 2018), the focus of Air Force efforts is on strategically accelerating innovation and technology availability. For composite materials, this includes risk based certification, low-cost, agile manufacturing and processing, while also capturing certification and qualification of composite structures via physics-based simulation. The focus of this task order addresses these Air Force needs by providing new capabilities, improved performance, accelerate design and development, improve and increase agility in processing while lowering cost for polymer composite materials. This involves a shift in strategic priorities from more traditional polymer processing and semi-empirical process models towards agile manufacturing, non-traditional processing, accelerated materials discovery and design, machine learning and machine-based reasoning, in-operando and physics-based process modeling and control.

2.0 Technical Requirements:

2.1 PMC Materials Processing Science (TRL 1-4):

Increase ability to design new materials for increased processability and performance through synthesis and modification of small molecule targets including but not limited to monomers, polymers, interfaces, and reinforcement. Methods to help guide materials discovery and design can include establishing the relationships between molecular/nano scale and continuum material properties with physics-based predictive modeling, simulation, coupled to artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) which accelerate materials discovery.

Perform nano- to micro-scale material characterization techniques on materials and composites developed both in-house and externally along with analysis. Develop real-time measurement tools that probe the material state during processing which include pressure, temperature, viscosity, chemical state, and morphology (macro-continuum).

Develop and modify processing and fabrication techniques that emphasize agile manufacturing, reduced variability, and reduced cost and time.

2.2 Processing Models (TRL 1-4):

Develop theoretical and computational models that shift from semi-empirical input methods to more phenomenological and multiscale physics-based approaches to guide and improve the processing of composite materials and consequently their cost and performance. Connect laboratory measurements to controllable process parameters using multiscale physics models that strive towards establishing the relationship between molecular scale structure and morphology and continuum material properties. Key focus area here is the connection from nano/mesoscale modeling to continuum models. Application of processing models to advanced manufacturing techniques that can include but are not limited to: additive manufacturing (direct write, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, light based), out-of-autoclave and liquid resin infusion technologies (RTM, VARTM).

2.3 Process Monitoring and Control (TRL 1-4):

Develop techniques and algorithms for dynamic process control through coupling sensing modalities with process models. Utilize models to guide and interpret the use of material sensing technologies in dynamic process control. Composite processing methods for closed-loop control can include autoclave, out-of-autoclave, additive manufacturing, and liquid resin infusion.

2.4 Materials Laboratory Management, Maintenance, and Improvement:

In order to allow for the success of the technical effort, perform routine inspections of laboratory equipment and ensure equipment meets safety requirements as well as the needs of the research and development the equipment is used for. Maintain the equipment to ensure equipment is available to conduct research and development and that the results meet the requirements of the research and development. Determine equipment, hardware and software needs to meet research and development requirements and design and implement improvements to equipment and modeling infrastructure to improve results.

2.5 Technical Leadership:

In order to accomplish desired research, interact with national and international experts necessary to understand disruptive and emerging application requirements and develop collaborative relationships to exploit technical capabilities in advanced composite materials and processes application areas. Present results at relevant conferences/recurring meetings as appropriate.

3.0 Management Review:

Reviews will be an informal, ongoing activity due to the nature of the on-site research work. This can include reviews that will occur during the weekly Research Group (RG) meetings held between the government and contractor personnel. The contractor shall actively participate in both informal meetings and formal RG meetings. In addition, the contractor shall present the results of its R&D efforts at conferences and publish the results in appropriate peer-reviewed scientific journals.

4.0 Deliverables:

CDRLs required: A001, A002, A003, A004, A005, A006, A007

5.0 Operations Security (OPSEC) Requirements:

All contractors shall participate in all activities associated with the disciplines of the organization’s OPSEC program following appropriate measures required for this particular contract. This is required in an effort to reduce program vulnerability from successful adversary collection of possible sensitive unclassified and/or proprietary information, and violations of export control requirements. The prime contractor will ensure that all subcontractors, if applicable, conform to these requirements as required by the prime contractor. Guidance can be provided by AFRL/RX Security as needed.

Program Protection Plan (PPP): Any potential critical program information (CPI) generated as part of this effort will be reviewed to determine the need for a PPP, or to be included as part of an existing PPP.