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CFD Research Corporation—founded in 1987, and located in Huntsville, Alabama— specializes in innovative engineering simulations and designs. CFDRC offers unique capabilities for multiphysics, multiscale, coupled simulations of fluid, thermal, chemical, biological, electrical, and mechanical phenomena for real-world applications.
In this DARPA SBIR project, CFD Research Corporation (CFDRC) developed novel simulation methods and software for the design of microfluidics and BioMEMS (Biological MicroElectroMechanical Systems) that miniaturize and automate complex laboratory procedures. The end results include the ability to deploy sophisticated bioanalytical tests in the field for purposes ranging from sensing chemical and biological agents to monitoring soldier health and performance.
CFDRC’s simulations provide a cost-effective approach for screening competing concepts for different BioMEMS applications, and then optimizing selected designs. These advanced physical models for novel microscale phenomena—particularly in a general-use format—were not readily available prior to this SBIR project.
Primary end users include researchers in government laboratories focused on developing miniaturized automated detection systems for chemical and biological defense (including Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories). Additional end users include the life sciences instrumentation sector specializing in the development
of new devices for genomic and proteomic applications in drug discovery and diagnostics (including Applied Biosystems, Becton Dickenson, Caliper Life Sciences, and others), and government prime contractors (such as Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Motorola, and others).
The foundation laid by the DARPA SBIR was instrumental in developing CFDRC’s expertise and software products, and enabling subsequent revenue generation via a variety of sources. These sources included government Broad Agency Announcements, National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Advanced Technology Program contracts, and commercial software licensing and application contracts.
SBIRs have been a significant source of funding for new technology development for the company. These new technologies—which each have taken several years and several million dollars from non-SBIR sources to further develop--are vital to the company’s
future.
Deborah Phipps
CFD Research Corporation
215 Wynn Dr., 5th Floor
Huntsville, AL 35805
Phone: (256) 726-4800 ext: 4884
Email: dap@cfdrc.com
Website: www.cfdrc.com
