Embedded Acoustic Sensors on the Surface of Composite Sonar Domes and Aluminum Hull Sections (MSC P4027)

The Naval Underwater Warfare Center (NUWC) is seeking innovative methods for developing low cost conformal sensor arrays. The embedded sensor solution must be robust from the standpoint of installation, connectivity, and in-service durability. To address this need, Materials Sciences Corporation and its manufacturing partners are proposing to develop and demonstrate innovative, structurally robust encapsulation material technologies that will protect the sensors while allowing acoustic performance across a wide frequency range. Phase I of this SBIR program was structured to establish the feasibility of creating low cost conformal sensor arrays on aluminum and/or composite structures. This was achieved through a series of materials selection studies, manufacturing process trials, and fabrication of prototype aluminum and composite panels that include arrays of ebedded acoustic sensors. A set of structural and acoustic performance validation tests will be conducted on the proposed low-cost conformal array concepts under the Phase II prototyping program.