{"project":{"acronym":"","projectId":32933,"title":"Fundamental Research into Hyperelastic Materials for Flight Applications Element, Year 1","startTrl":4,"currentTrl":5,"endTrl":5,"benefits":"High performance: Improves aerodynamic capabilities and enables morphing structural technologies by sealing structural gaps Quieter: Reduces airframe noise associated with takeoffs and landings, both in the aircraft cabin and on the ground Economical: Increases fuel efficiency by reducing drag","description":"This research project is working to develop methods to characterize elastomer materials for flight applications as well as instrumentation methods to monitor their use in flight. These hyperelastic materials have long been used in specialized applications where their flexibility is essential (e.g., O-rings and gaskets for pressure retention), but they are now being considered for use as load-bearing structural elements. Because little data are available in the aerospace community for designing structures that incorporate elastomer materials, Armstrong researchers are evaluating elastomer stress-strain behavior under various loading scenarios to aid in their incorporation into structural designs. This research is part of an innovative effort to use hyperelastic materials to produce flexible and seamless aircraft structures that reduce drag and minimize acoustic noise. Work to date: Researchers developed a uniaxial test rig to evaluate elastomer materials. Applying uniaxial loads allows the stress-strain curve to be produced using photogrammetric techniques. The photogrammetry system can also be used to assess liquid strain gauge performance. The resulting tensile-testing technique enables elastomer material characterization for flight applications. Looking ahead: Test data obtained in 2014 will support future analysis studies scheduled for 2015. In addition to planned fundamental analysis studies, vibration studies will validate elastomer modal characteristics. NASA Partner: Langley Research Center Benefits: High performance: Improves aerodynamic capabilities and enables morphing structural technologies by sealing structural gaps Quieter: Reduces airframe noise associated with takeoffs and landings, both in the aircraft cabin and on the ground Economical: Increases fuel efficiency by reducing drag Applications: Aircraft wing flaps Helicopter blades Motor vehicles, trains, and ships","startYear":2013,"startMonth":11,"endYear":2014,"endMonth":10,"statusDescription":"Completed","principalInvestigators":[{"contactId":506287,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Eric","lastName":"Miller","fullName":"Eric J Miller","fullNameInverted":"Miller, Eric J","middleInitial":"J","primaryEmail":"eric.j.miller@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programDirectors":[{"contactId":335305,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Michael","lastName":"Lapointe","fullName":"Michael R Lapointe","fullNameInverted":"Lapointe, Michael R","middleInitial":"R","primaryEmail":"michael.r.lapointe@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programExecutives":[{"contactId":392233,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Richard","lastName":"Howard","fullName":"Richard W Howard","fullNameInverted":"Howard, Richard W","middleInitial":"W","primaryEmail":"richard.w.howard@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"programManagers":[{"contactId":112848,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"David","lastName":"Voracek","fullName":"David F Voracek","fullNameInverted":"Voracek, David F","middleInitial":"F","primaryEmail":"david.f.voracek@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"coInvestigators":[{"contactId":506970,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Claudia","lastName":"Herrera","fullName":"Claudia Herrera","fullNameInverted":"Herrera, Claudia","primaryEmail":"claudia.herrera-1@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false},{"contactId":29228,"canUserEdit":false,"firstName":"Anthony","lastName":"Piazza","fullName":"Anthony Piazza","fullNameInverted":"Piazza, Anthony","primaryEmail":"anthony.piazza-1@nasa.gov","publicEmail":true,"nacontact":false}],"website":"","libraryItems":[{"caption":"Wing rendering with Flexible Side Edge Link (FLEXSEL)","file":{"fileExtension":"png","fileId":267017,"fileName":"hyperelastic","fileSize":116270,"objectId":266786,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"113.5 KB"},"files":[{"fileExtension":"png","fileId":267017,"fileName":"hyperelastic","fileSize":116270,"objectId":266786,"objectType":{"lkuCodeId":889,"code":"LIBRARY_ITEMS","description":"Library Items","lkuCodeTypeId":182,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"OBJECT_TYPE","description":"Object Type"}},"objectTypeId":889,"fileSizeString":"113.5 KB"}],"id":266786,"title":"Hyperelastic Research","description":"Wing rendering with Flexible Side Edge Link (FLEXSEL)","libraryItemTypeId":1095,"projectId":32933,"primary":true,"publishedDateString":"","contentType":{"lkuCodeId":1095,"code":"IMAGE","description":"Image","lkuCodeTypeId":341,"lkuCodeType":{"codeType":"LIBRARY_ITEM_TYPE","description":"Library Item Type"}}}],"transitions":[{"transitionId":53583,"projectId":32933,"transitionDate":"2014-10-01","path":"Closed Out","details":"Microgravity is potentially a powerful tool for investigating processes that are sensitive to the presence of solid walls, since fluid containment can be achieved by surface tension. One such process is the transformation of protein in solution into amyloid fibrils; these are protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In addition to solid walls, experiments with gravity are also subject to influences from sedimentation of aggregates and buoyancy-driven convection. The ring-sheared drop (RSD) module is a container-less flow apparatus that uses a liquid's surface tension and knife edged tubes to constrain a solution of interest. Shear can be imparted to the fluid by rotating one ring while the other ring is kept stationary. The module will be used to study formation of amyloid fibrils aboard the International Space Station (ISS) with a drop size of 25 mm. A parabolic flight campaign in 2016 enabled researchers to conduct initial microgravity testing with smaller-scale droplets that were 10mm in diameter. Prior to the flight campaign, fluid dynamics computations were performed on the growth of 1g droplets and the computations were successfully validated in the lab. The computations also showed good agreement with the flight experiment 0g data. This modeling capability will enable the development of the RSD at the 25 mm scale for the ISS.","infoText":"Closed out","infoTextExtra":"","dateText":"October 2014"},{"transitionId":53582,"projectId":32933,"partner":"Other","transitionDate":"2014-11-01","path":"Advanced To","relatedProjectId":145933,"relatedProject":{"acronym":"","projectId":145933,"title":"Fundamental Research into Hyperelastic Materials for Flight Applications Element, Year 2","startTrl":4,"currentTrl":6,"endTrl":6,"benefits":"
Potential Applications: Launch Propulsion Systems, EDL, Modeling, advanced modeling, simulation, information & processing configuration to surpass conventional technologies, lightweight structures
","description":"GAIN FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE OF HYPERELASTIC MATERIALS FOR USE IN FUTURE AIRCRAFT DESIGNS.
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The focus for the program is on validating, developing, and testing new and innovative technologies.
The current technology areas for the projects included:
AFRC is currently looking into following Technical Capability areas (not in any priority order and not all inclusive):
1. Small launch Space Systems
Develop small launch space systems such as horizontal rockets that could launch to orbit small free-flying space platforms (e.g., cuestas, nanosats, picosats).
2. Altitude Compensating Rocket Systems
Design, build, and test altitude compensating rocket systems or sub-systems designed to operate the rocket efficiently across a wide range of altitudes. Subsystems such as Altitude Compensating Nozzles are being considered.
3. Aero Gravity Assist Systems
Design, build, and test an Aerogravity assist system which uses a close approach to the planet, dipping into the atmosphere, so the spacecraft can also use aerodynamic lift to further curve the trajectory.
4. Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft Adaptive Controls
Develop and test adaptive controls architectures specifically tailored for application to launch vehicles. Adaptive Controls for launch vehicles would include unique features of the aerospace vehicle, such as control-structure interaction, propellant slosh, sensor performance, and actuator dynamics. In addition, the analysis, verification, and flight certification framework for the control system must be addressed.
5. Autonomous Systems
AFRC is exploring concepts for advanced autonomous systems and collaborative autonomous operations that could be applied across aerospace vehicles to enhance effectiveness, survivability, and affordability.
6. Autonomy in a Safety Critical Framework
Armstrong Flight Research Center is interested in the flight demonstration of high level autonomy in a safety critical framework with applicability to man-rated air and space vehicles. This high level of autonomy is enabled through the use of multiple sensor platforms and algorithms with high computational demands. Increased computational capability through embedded high performance computing and implementation of resource efficient algorithms is needed to support this integration. Research into embedded high performance computing using multi-core processors, FPGA, GPU, DSP and associated development of toolchains and algorithms targeted to these platforms is needed in order to reduce the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of the flight vehicles..
7. Space Weather Systems
Design, develop, and test measurement systems to provide the capability for on-demand, validated, and archived radiation measurements related to human tissue and avionics silicon upset concerns.
8. Electromagnetically Boosted Rockets
One possible solution is to use an electromagnetic linear motor boost system to supplement the use of first stage booster rockets and rocket clusters. China Lake is currently advocating to NAVAIR to initiate a study of long term capital costs and recurring system operational costs of the use of an electromagnetic linear motor booster system for their rocket sled tracks as compared to the long term operational system costs of moving to a newer line of booster rocket production.
","parentProgram":{"acronym":"CIF","active":true,"description":"
Through the Center Innovation Fund, the Space Technology Mission Directorate allocates a small portion of the NASA workforce and procurement budget to internal research and development to feed early stage innovation in technology and exploration. Activities with in the Center Innovation Fund are proposed and led by NASA scientists and engineers. These activities and creative initiatives pursue emerging technologies that leverage talent and capabilities at the NASA Centers.
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The focus for the program is on validating, developing, and testing new and innovative technologies.
The current technology areas for the projects included:
AFRC is currently looking into following Technical Capability areas (not in any priority order and not all inclusive):
1. Small launch Space Systems
Develop small launch space systems such as horizontal rockets that could launch to orbit small free-flying space platforms (e.g., cuestas, nanosats, picosats).
2. Altitude Compensating Rocket Systems
Design, build, and test altitude compensating rocket systems or sub-systems designed to operate the rocket efficiently across a wide range of altitudes. Subsystems such as Altitude Compensating Nozzles are being considered.
3. Aero Gravity Assist Systems
Design, build, and test an Aerogravity assist system which uses a close approach to the planet, dipping into the atmosphere, so the spacecraft can also use aerodynamic lift to further curve the trajectory.
4. Launch Vehicle and Spacecraft Adaptive Controls
Develop and test adaptive controls architectures specifically tailored for application to launch vehicles. Adaptive Controls for launch vehicles would include unique features of the aerospace vehicle, such as control-structure interaction, propellant slosh, sensor performance, and actuator dynamics. In addition, the analysis, verification, and flight certification framework for the control system must be addressed.
5. Autonomous Systems
AFRC is exploring concepts for advanced autonomous systems and collaborative autonomous operations that could be applied across aerospace vehicles to enhance effectiveness, survivability, and affordability.
6. Autonomy in a Safety Critical Framework
Armstrong Flight Research Center is interested in the flight demonstration of high level autonomy in a safety critical framework with applicability to man-rated air and space vehicles. This high level of autonomy is enabled through the use of multiple sensor platforms and algorithms with high computational demands. Increased computational capability through embedded high performance computing and implementation of resource efficient algorithms is needed to support this integration. Research into embedded high performance computing using multi-core processors, FPGA, GPU, DSP and associated development of toolchains and algorithms targeted to these platforms is needed in order to reduce the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of the flight vehicles..
7. Space Weather Systems
Design, develop, and test measurement systems to provide the capability for on-demand, validated, and archived radiation measurements related to human tissue and avionics silicon upset concerns.
8. Electromagnetically Boosted Rockets
One possible solution is to use an electromagnetic linear motor boost system to supplement the use of first stage booster rockets and rocket clusters. China Lake is currently advocating to NAVAIR to initiate a study of long term capital costs and recurring system operational costs of the use of an electromagnetic linear motor booster system for their rocket sled tracks as compared to the long term operational system costs of moving to a newer line of booster rocket production.
","parentProgram":{"acronym":"CIF","active":true,"description":"
Through the Center Innovation Fund, the Space Technology Mission Directorate allocates a small portion of the NASA workforce and procurement budget to internal research and development to feed early stage innovation in technology and exploration. Activities with in the Center Innovation Fund are proposed and led by NASA scientists and engineers. These activities and creative initiatives pursue emerging technologies that leverage talent and capabilities at the NASA Centers.
","programId":64,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36643,"title":"Center Innovation Fund"},"parentProgramId":64,"programId":161,"responsibleMd":{"acronym":"STMD","canUserEdit":false,"city":"","external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4875,"organizationName":"Space Technology Mission Directorate","organizationType":"NASA_Mission_Directorate","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Mission Directorate"},"responsibleMdId":4875,"stockImageFileId":36647,"title":"Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF"},"leadOrganization":{"acronym":"AFRC","canUserEdit":false,"city":"Edwards","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":false,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":4893,"organizationName":"Armstrong Flight Research Center","organizationType":"NASA_Center","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"CA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"California","stateTerritoryId":59},"stateTerritoryId":59,"naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"NASA Center"},"supportingOrganizations":[{"canUserEdit":false,"city":"Ann Arbor","congressionalDistrict":"Michigan 12","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"external":true,"linkCount":0,"organizationId":3364,"organizationName":"FlexSys, Inc.","organizationType":"Industry","stateTerritory":{"abbreviation":"MI","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"Michigan","stateTerritoryId":34},"stateTerritoryId":34,"msiData":{},"setAsideData":["Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB)"],"dunsNumber":"004935040","uei":"NCBLGNKFZM78","naorganization":false,"organizationTypePretty":"Industry"}],"statesWithWork":[{"abbreviation":"CA","country":{"abbreviation":"US","countryId":236,"name":"United States"},"countryId":236,"name":"California","stateTerritoryId":59}],"lastUpdated":"2023-7-11","releaseStatusString":"Released","viewCount":637,"endDateString":"Oct 2014","startDateString":"Nov 2013"}}