Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing System

To meet the NASA need for high accuracy, light weight, low power fiber optic sensing system for Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) instrumentation systems, RC Integrated Systems LLC (RISL) proposes to develop a novel Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) System providing accurate in situ measurement of multiple thermal protection system (TPS) structural, aerothermal, and aerodynamic response parameters including temperature, pressure/strain, and heat flux. The DFOS is based on use of novel materials for high-temperature operation and uniquely designed fiber optic sensors. The DFOS system is capable of simultaneously measuring multiple TPS response parameters (e.g., pressure, strain, temperature, and heat flux) from thousands of sensing locations by emplacing a single optical fiber onto the TPS structure. DFOS will tolerate operating temperatures up to1800 degrees C and achieve measurement errors within +/- 5 degrees C for temperature sensors and +/-1% for pressure sensors. In Phase I RISL will demonstrate the feasibility of DFOS for in-situ measurement of DFOS feasibility by fabricating and testing a technology readiness level (TRL)-4 prototype, with the goal of achieving TRL-6 by the end of Phase II.