Self-Sensing/-Active Acoustic Suppression Array

To address the OSD need for quiet APUs, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a Self-sensing/-active Acoustic Suppression Array (SASA) for auxiliary power units (APUs). This proposed SASA is based on a set of self-powered sensors and autonomously responding actuators on a skin array requiring no complex processing hardware or software. The innovation in SASA in terms of self-sensing and self-actuation architecture enables the SASA to suppress acoustic energy emanating from APU subsystems in both the time and space domains, satisfying aural nondetectability limits over a range of 20 Hz to 10 kHz at 20 m, which directly addresses the Ground/Sea Vehicle Program requirements. In Phase I, POC plans to conduct a feasibility study of the SASA concept, develop a SASA hardware design that can safely be used within operating conditions/performance limits, and analyze/evaluate a Phase I SASA prototype. In Phase II, POC plans to develop, demonstrate, and validate the SASA technology integrated on an APU selected by the government.