9702689 Ford This award supports a six month Science and Technology Agency Postdoctoral Fellowship for Dr. Mark Ford at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (MEL), Agency for Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan. Dr. Ford will work with Dr. Masahiko Onda, Director of the Instrumentation and Control Division at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory on a research project entitled, "Study of High Altitude, Long Range Observational Platform." The proposed research will focus on a variety of topics, including system optimization, propulsor development, computational fluid dynamic modelling, and alternative energy source creation, all of which are connected to the development of an advanced, highly maneuverable, lighter than air vehicle -- hereafter called HALROP (High Altitude Long Range Observational Platform). As a multi-role platform, HALROP will accommodate different payloads, specific examples being: 1) land, sea, and air mobile communications, environmental and remote sensing; 2) observation and repair of the ozone layer; 3) space observation, and; 4) cargo delivery. The fundamental requirement shared by these various applications is the long- duration maintenance of a high-altitude, stationkeeping position. Solar power, active boundary layer control, and a novel hull shape are three of the key technologies that will enable this next generation airship to fulfill the stated research requirements. The proposed research addresses both applied and fundamental engineering science issues, with the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory being unique in that it is currently exploring all the research agendas associated with the proposal. Mark Ford and Masahiko Onda are among the leading researchers in the world in this project, and the collaborative effort will likely yield positive and mutually beneficial results for the United States and Japan. ***
