Extreme Environment Stress and Strain Sensing System

ABSTRACT: Luna Innovations Incorporated is proposing to develop an extreme environment stress and strain measurement system capable of operating at temperatures>900°C (1652°F) and streaming static and dynamic data at 5kHz. The system will consist of a multichannel readout system, extreme environment transducers, and different, but easily applied, methods of attachment for a metallic and a composite substrate. Accurate high temperature strain measurements are critical in the development and characterization of modern aerospace materials and validation of vehicle and component performance models. These models are used in determining design parameters and material selection for high speed flight vehicles and component life prediction. Without accurate strain data in the presence of both high temperatures and large loads, the safety and reliability of the system can be placed in jeopardy. Currently there are no methods capable of accurately providing such data. During Phase I Luna will design and demonstrate the feasibility of a prototype readout system and sensors. During Phase II the system will be optimized to meet the performance requirements needed for the Air Force and a prototype delivered for testing. Phase III will transition the technology to the Air Force and commercial industry through Luna"s Product Development Division. BENEFIT: The proposed system will meet the Air Force"s needs for an extreme environment strain measurement system capable of providing accurate static and dynamic data at high speeds. Other agencies such as NASA, DARPA, and the Navy which are performing research on extreme environment materials and systems will also benefit from the technology developed during this program. The system and sensors will enable high temperature, extreme load data to be taken in the presence of high electro-magnetic fields to verify turbine and scramjet engine performance, composite heat shield material characterizations, and airframe dynamic response. These capabilities will also make the system desirable to airframe and engine OEM"s to enable performance monitoring and qualification testing which will improve the safety and reliability of commercial transportation. In addition to safety improvements through improved material selection and design, the system will enable structural health monitoring and the collection of remaining useful life data which will reduce maintenance overall ownership costs of commercial transports. Once the technology has been transitioned to the Air Force, Luna will work with commercial partners to complete civilian qualifications and begin marketing the technology for commercial applications.