Robust Sensor System for Space Structures

A new fiber-optics communication and sensing structure, Smart Skin Array Technology (SSAT) shows promise for enabling robust, integrated data buses and sensing systems for space structures. The project consists of experimentation to demonstrate characteristics of SSAT that promote data bus survivability, including embedment within conventional composite layers and sandwiching between laminate layers. Also, the project will demonstrate the integration of the data bus structure with fiber optic techniques for monitoring fatigue, strain and temperature. Interest in robust fiber-optic communication and sensing systems is widespread, particularly for aerospace, medical and robotic applications. Many of these applications are likely to occur in hazardous environments where the survivability enhancement techniques described in this proposal would be of great commercial interest. Integration of data bus and sensor structures with a common fiber-optic based technology offers a significant system cost opportunity.