In-situ Sensing for Multi-Functional Structures, Phase I

Space Launch System (SLS). It's expected that NASA's SLS launch vehicle will make use of large composite fairings to protect the second stage during launch. This vehicle is exceptionally sensitive to weight. By utilizing the proposed strain sensors, residual stresses during composite fabrication can be measured. By knowing the value of these residual strains, design safety factors can be lowered and weight reduced. NASA N+3 Subsonic Transport. Aurora, working with MIT, continues to advance the development of NASA's N+3 aircraft, the double-bubble configuration. The aircraft design is representative of a 737 sized aircraft entering service in the 2030 timeframe. The design of this aircraft is still young enough, in the conceptual stages, that the technologies proposed could be integrated into the first production aircraft. Aurora is proposing to the FAA that we design and manufacture a sub-scale fuselage. For this fuselage test article, we'll propose implementation of a structural health system. NASA Global Hawk. Aurora manufactures the primary structure of the aircraft aft of the wings. This aircraft could benefit from the increased life expectancy allowed by the proposed technology. The Global Hawk has demonstrated continued value for the DoD and likely to become a legacy program. Getting sensors onto the aircraft now would provide the ability to extend the aircraft's legacy. NASA's Global Hawk aircraft could be used as a first adopter. Aurora's Orion Unmanned Aircraft – The Orion aircraft is designed and fabricated by Aurora, providing a rapid path for technology insertion onto a flight ready aircraft. The proposed sensors in combination with Aurora's Self Aware tools would allow us to extend the flight envelope and life expectancy of Orion. This would ultimately increase the aircraft's performance and reduce its operating cost. Aurora's DARPA ADAPT Aircraft – Aurora is manufacturing fourteen small aircraft for DARPA, delivery is scheduled for Q2 2015. The aircraft have a five pound payload capacity with three hour endurance. By embedding the proposed technologies into the aircraft's composite wings, we can easily provide an aircraft for third parties to use as a development platform for structural health monitoring. Commercial Transport Aircraft – The technologies under this proposal are aimed at commercial aircraft manufactures (Boeing and Airbus) with the promise of low cost materials and easy integration with current production tools (e.g. Automated Fiber Placement). The technology is attractive for its affordability on a production scale and ability to survive over the aircraft's lifecycle. More »