A "Smart Skin" Array for Reconfigurable Hypersonic MHD Effects

Research Support Instruments, Inc. (RSI), with the aid of Princeton University, proposes to use an innovative sensor/actuator package to provide a critical component for multifunctional hypersonic vehicle structures. An integrated array of microfabricated pressure sensors and ionizers will provide a "smart skin" atop a reconfigurable magnetic array. The high-bandwidth sensors will detect development of instabilities or other changes in the flow, and the ionizers will compensate by increasing the local conductivity, and thereby the MHD-generated body force. The sensor/actuator array will use an elegant approach: the same membranes and same transmission structures will be used for pressure sensing, electron beam windows, fiber optics, high voltage lines, and pumping. This will keep the system completely integrated: sensors and actuators will be interchangeable in arrays that will provide precision flow control. The MEMS-based "smart skin" arrays will be of great interest in next-generation hypersonic and space access strike craft. These arrays will allow vehicle designs to be optimized for criteria other than aerodynamic performance while maintaining extremely rapid response times. This investigation will demonstrate the "smart skin" concept and develop the knowledge and technologies needed for Phase II experiments. This will allow for Phase II experiments with large scale arrays.