SBIR/STTR
Advanced Metal Rubber Sensors for Hypersonic Decelerator Entry Systems, Phase I
Project Introduction
NanoSonic proposes to design and develop light-weight, low-modulus, and durable Metal Rubber™ sensors for aeroelastic analysis of Hypersonic Decelerator Entry Systems (HDES), which would in effect increase the systems aerodynamic stability by contributing to optimize its design. The in-situ Metal Rubber™ (MR™) strain sensors would be utilized to monitor drag at varying Mach flow regimes (subsonic to hypersonic) by analyzing dynamic pressures, and billowing effects (or similar shap
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Anticipated Benefits
The proposed SBIR program would develop an innovative, light-weight, low-modulus, and durable Metal Rubber™ sensor system for NASA's hypersonic decelerator entry systems. Some possible other applications for similar Metal Rubber™ materials for other NASA platforms (particularly aerospace systems) include: low-modulus strain and skin friction sensors for adaptive / morphing aircraft systems, hypersonic sensors for other inflatable re-entry systems, low-modulus materials or conformal coatings for EMI 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™ sensor plies 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, and as a replacement for conventional lead-based solder.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, CA |
| Nanosonic, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Pembroke, VA |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Virginia
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Ames Research Center (ARC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Principal Investigator:
- A. Hill
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2012
End: Aug 2012
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 2 |
| Current: | 2 |
| Estimated End: | 4 |
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
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