The NASA applications primarily include launch vehicles. The proposed solution can be used in primary and supporting structures to reduce the transmission of vibroacoustic energy to subsystems and payloads. In case of manned flights, the transmission of acoustic and vibrational energy to modules accommodating astronauts has to be minimized. The proposed MIAS panels directly integrated into module structure is highly desirable as long as weight and size constraints are satisfied. Aeronautical applications to increase fatigue life and quieten the internal space are also aggressively pursued by NASA. The proposed concept is equally applicable to aeronautical structures.
Obvious commercial and general aviation applications to increase fatigue life and reduce internal noise level has the largest potential for commercializing the technology. The defense aerospace applications will also benefit from the technology. As cost of technology is reduced, it opens up limitless applications in all ground and ship transportation market sectors. Structural cladding for protective packaging systems and civil infrastructural partitions where low frequency acoustic insulation is critical can be the next potential market. As multifunctionalities are incorporated into the technology, energy harvesting for field-deployed equipment in remote locations where ambient low frequency acoustic environment is prevalent can be a niche market for the technology. As cost of technology is reduced, office buildings, factory buildings as well as housing market will be interested in the technology.
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