Aware Composite Structures

Distributed sensing networks will be developed and deployed for flow and structural state sensing of aerostructures to facilitate fly-by-feel control. Advanced conformal processing techniques will be established and employed for fabricating flow stagnation sensors and high fidelity strain gage rosettes. Devices will be incorporated directly and conformally onto complex aerostructures, encompassing large areas to provide comprehensive structure diagnostics. Performance and durability will be characterized on representative components, i.e. standardized airfoils, in controlled environments. Signal conditioning and wireless data acquisition systems will be concurrently designed, emphasizing sensor integration with on-board prognostic systems. Platforms for demonstrations in relevant operating environments will be identified in conjunction with our AFRL sponsors and OEM transition partners to rapidly advance the Technology Readiness Level. BENEFIT: The development efforts conducted under the proposed work will facilitate fly-by-feel control and integrated prognostics for aerostructures. The ability to monitor flow and structural states real-time will provide the coveted control for optimizing flight economy and performance. Integration of data acquisition and prognostic algorithms are critical to Air Force applications. MesoScribe has developed strategic partnerships with OEM’s, Defense Laboratories, and commercial end-users to transition the technology developed under this effort to military and commercial aerospace platforms. Specific applications of interest include fly-by-feel controls, aerospace components, and airframe structures.