Materials research to meet Air Force energy needs

POLY 97

Barry L. Farmer, barry.farmer@wpafb.af.mil, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL/ML, 2941 P Street, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7570
This presentation will provide an overview of the myriad challenges and opportunities for materials research to meet the energy needs of the US Air Force. With applications ranging from air and spacecraft propulsion, to spacecraft electronics, to logistics fuels for airbase operations, to portable power sources for remote sensors, the Air Force will benefit from advances in many energy-related technologies. The current materials research activities of the Air Force Research Laboratory supporting these advances will be described, as will possible future opportunities. Finally, the various ways AFRL works with industry and academia to provide energy and energy-saving technilogies for the AF will be summarized.