M4 Selected for Two SBIR Phase I Awards

Long Beach, CA, May 31, 2013 --(PR.com)-- M4 Engineering has been selected by the DoD SBIR program for two Phase I awards. The topics are:

AF131-005 Innovative Propeller Multi-Point Multi-Disciplinary Optimization

This proposal effort seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of developing and integrating a set of analysis modules into a multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) process in order to enhance propeller design and efficiency across a range of multi-point flight conditions. Emphasis will be placed on defining the interdisciplinary interactions and corresponding effects on overall propeller efficiency. Next, each of the analysis modules will be validated against simulated or experimental data. A modern propeller configuration will be selected as the base demonstration application and will be optimized and assessed against current state-of-the-art propeller performance. Lastly, the software developed within this effort will leverage M4 Engineering’s significant experience with MDAO as well as several robust, open-source tools.

AF131-003 Evaluation of Unsteady Loads on Store Trajectories

M4 Engineering proposes to develop methods for rapidly identifying store/aircraft configurations at elevated risk for adverse separation events. The methods developed will require from the user only data that is typically available prior to detailed influence load collection. One of the approaches will make use of independent parametric information for the store, bay, and ejector. enhance the Phase I method for predicting store trajectory response subject to unsteady aerodynamic loads. The techniques developed in this effort will complement existing methods by prioritizing cases for investigation with more computationally expensive test and analysis methods.

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is a highly competitive program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) that has the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR enables small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.

About M4 Engineering
Founded in 2001, M4 Engineering is a collective of aerospace and structural engineers who provide crisis and preventive engineering analysis, research and development consultation. As we like to say, we’re the engineers to call before it breaks.

We combine state-of-the-art software development with expertise in multidisciplinary design analysis and optimization (MDAO). Together, we are able to save time and reduce the costs associated with the analysis of high performance structures typically found in aerospace, automotive, construction, theme park attractions, and energy production, including wind, oil, and coal.

M4 Engineering is proud to partner with the world’s finest private, government, and global entities, including NASA, US Air Force, Boeing, GE, Hitco and many more.

M4 Engineering has offices in Long Beach, California.

To learn more about M4, please visit www.m4-engineering.com or follow us on Twitter @M4Engineering.