High Channel Count, High Density Microphone Arrays for Wind Tunnel Environments

The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2) proposes the development of high channel count, high density, reduced cost per channel, directional microphone arrays for noise source measurement using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based piezoelectric microphones with backside contacts and advanced packaging technology. The goal of this research is to develop an advanced phased-array technology to revolutionize array measurement capabilities through increases in array density and channel count while easing installation into wind-tunnels and significantly reducing cost per channel. Specifically, this array technology will be developed to address NASAneeds for acoustic and relevant flow field measurement methods for subsonic, transonic and supersonic vehicles targeted specifically at airframe noise sources and the noise sources due to the aerodynamic and acoustic interaction of airframe and engines, as per Subtopic A1.02 Quiet Performance - Airframe Noise Reduction of the NASA FY 2017 SBIR/STTR Solicitation. This work is aimed at meeting the aerospace industrys need for economically viable array technology that meets required metrics.The focus of this project is to combine proven MEMS design principles and established device structures to develop high channel count, high-density acoustic arrays.The end results of this innovative approach are higher density acoustic arrays, with significantly-reduced cost per channel enabling higher channel arrays comprised of high bandwidth, high dynamic range, flush-mounted aeroacoustic microphones. Further, the thin form factor of the resulting array eases installation constraints and placement restrictions.