Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors for Thermal Protection Systems, Phase I
Project Introduction
Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation (IFOS) proposes an innovative fiber optic-based, multiplexable, highly ruggedized, integrated sensor system for real-time measurement and monitoring of temperature in an Ablative Thermal Protection System (TPS). Such measurement will allow for an effective estimation of temperature gradient and subsequent calculation of heat flux. IFOS will initially develop such a system for thermal monitoring in Small Probe applications. However, the technology will readily be applicable to other NASA vehicle applications where TPS is employed. The IFOS fiber optic sensors will incorporate Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs). These sensors are extremely light-weight, small, electromagnetically immune, and electrically passive. Multiple sensing FBGs can be fabricated on a single fiber for simplified design and reduced cost. The proposed fiber optic sensing technology is highly sensitive and accurate. It is also low-cost and lends itself to high-volume production. In the Phase I, IFOS will perform a feasibility study of its proposed temperature measurement and monitoring system.
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Anticipated Benefits
The proposed work will significantly benefit the commercial re-entry vehicle development and hypersonic vehicles (engine and airframe). Additionally, this technology could readily lend itself to temperature measurement and monitoring applications in, for example, gas turbines and furnace heat recovery units (recuperators). The TPS-integrated temperature sensing technology will support NASA's goal of developing more complete understanding of ground test-to-flight traceability issues in TPS small probe applications. Furthermore, this technology has potential to support NASA's efforts in developing higher performance TPS materials as well as integrated Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation | Lead Organization | Industry | Santa Clara, California |
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Supporting Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
| North Carolina State University at Raleigh | Supporting Organization | Academia | Raleigh, North Carolina |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
North Carolina
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Organization:
- Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2011
End: Feb 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 6 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX09 Entry, Descent, and Landing
- TX09.4 Vehicle Systems
- TX09.4.6 Instrumentation and Health Monitoring for EDL
Target Destinations
Earth, Mars
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