The proposed NASA SBIR program would develop an innovative, light-weight, low-modulus, and rugged Metal Rubber sensor system for inflatable/flexible entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems. Some possible other applications for similar Metal Rubber materials for NASA platforms (particularly aerospace systems) include: low-modulus strain & skin friction sensors for adaptive / morphing aircraft systems, low-modulus materials or conformal coatings for EMI/RF shielding, and flexible electrically-conductive wires.
There is a large market for low-weight high strain sensors for scientific balloons, high altitude morphing systems, and similar re-entry inflatable systems, specifically for NASA and the aircraft industry. NanoSonic's low modulus Metal Rubber sensors and multi-element sensor arrays have unique applications in systems where strain is large and conventional stress and strain sensors mechanically fail. Because Metal Rubber is extremely durable, low modulus, and can have high electrical conductivity; it can also be used in high performance, highly flexible and mechanically robust electronic flex circuits, flexible displays, and smart electronic fabrics.
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