[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 30 (Tuesday, February 14, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Page 8349]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3648]



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DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Financial Assistance Award: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and 
State University

AGENCY: Department of Energy.

ACTION: Notice of intent.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Energy announces that pursuant to 10 
CFR 600.6(a)(2) it is making a financial assistance award under Grant 
Number DE-FG01-95EE15584 to the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Office 
of Sponsored Products. The proposed grant will provide funding in the 
estimated amount of $99,743 by the Department of Energy for the purpose 
of saving energy through the invention, ``Tribopolymerization as an 
Anti-Wear Mechanism'', a method for reducing both wear and friction 
between ceramic-ceramic and ceramic-metal surfaces in contact under 
pressure.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Department of Energy has determined in 
accordance with 10 CFR 600.14(e)(1) that the unsolicited application by 
Dr. Michael J. Furey of the Mechanical Engineering Department of the 
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University is meritorious 
based on the general evaluation required by 10 CFR 600.14(d) and the 
proposed project represents a unique idea that would not be eligible 
for financial assistance under a recent, current or planned 
solicitation. The method is regarded as having the potential to play 
the role of an enabling technology in the development of adiabatec 
high-temperature ceramic engines that could improve efficiency by 50%. 
Laboratory tests show that this novel method is more effective at 
diminishing wear and lubrication needs of ceramic surfaces at higher 
temperatures than conventional methods. Current technology methods 
cannot effectively lubricate ceramic materials or operate at 
temperatures higher than 150  deg.C. Specifics used in this new process 
have already shown effectiveness at 250  deg.C. The proposed project is 
not eligible for financial assistance under a recent, current or 
planned solicitation because the funding program, the Energy Related 
Invention Program (ERIP), has been structured since its beginning in 
1975 to operate without competitive solicitations because the 
authorizing legislation directs ERIP to provide support for worthy 
ideas submitted by the public. The program has never issued and has no 
plans to issue a competitive solicitation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Please write the U.S. Department of 
Energy, Office of Placement and Administration, ATTN: Rose Mason, HR-
531.23, 1000 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, D.C. 20585.
    The anticipated term of the proposed grant is 18 months from the 
date of award.

    Issued in Washington, D.C. on January 30, 1995.
Richard G. Lewis,
Contracting Officer, Office of Placement and Administration.
[FR Doc. 95-3648 Filed 2-13-95; 8:45 am]
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