Flexible Conformal Metal Rubber Sensors for Entry/Landing Systems

NanoSonic proposes to design and develop light-weight, low-modulus, and durable Metal Rubber sensors for aeroelastic analysis of inflatable/flexible entry, descent, and landing (EDL) systems, which would in effect increase the systems aerodynamic stability by contributing to optimize its design. More specifically, a network of small Metal Rubber strain sensors would provide a non-invasive mechanism to monitor loading of the inflatable deceleration and landing systems. The in-situ Metal Rubber strain sensors would be utilized to monitor drag and instability of the system at varying Mach flow regimes by analyzing dynamic structure forces and also billowing effects (or similar shape-change / inflation effects) of the inflatable system as it goes through EDL operations. The novel Metal Rubber sensors have proven the ability to monitor aerodynamic events, particularly shear and normal forces, based on their response to applied strain. These previous sensor technological advancements will be modified to develop the proposed sensor system for monitoring dynamic loading of the inflatable structure. Lightweight Metal Rubber sensor appliques can be attached onto the inflatable base material or integrated in/under the system coating matrix for in-situ non-invasive monitoring.