Embedded Sensor Technology for Solid Rocket Motor Health Monitoring

This Phase II effort develops fiber grating sensors to measure transverse strain/pressure, shear strain, and temperature, in the vicinity of the bond line. Methods are developed to support ingress/egress from tactical rocket motors of fiber grating sensorarrays. Related testing of fiber grating strain sensors are performed using known and controlled boundary conditions and thermal loading in representative structures. The overall goal of the effort is to provide measurements necessary to determine thereadiness of tactical missiles in the US Army inventory.The technology developed by this Phase II SBIR can be used to support health monitoring systems for military and commercial rockets produced by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, ATK Thiokol, and otheraerospace manufactures. The technology can also be used to support health and damage assessment of a wide range of materials in aerospace and civil structures.