Infrasound Sensor with Data Recorder for Persistent High-Altitude Sensing

Scientists and researchers have long used low-frequency acoustics (infrasound) to study phenomena such as blasts, meteor explosions, volcanic eruptions, atmospheric gravity waves, seismoacoustic interactions, and animal behavior. Recently, there is growing interest in airborne infrasonic measurements. High-altitude balloons (HABs) are particularly appealing for these measurements due to the quiet ambient environment at altitude and minimal wind-induced noise, as the balloons move with the wind. An infrasound sensor package suitable for balloons could also be used with drones or similar unmanned systems for ground-based applications. Key factors for these applications are size, weight, and power consumption. In this Phase I effort, a comprehensive design study will be completed, enumerating the salient electro-mechanical issues relevant to the design. A prototype sensor meeting the design requirements will be designed. Testing of key components will be performed in the laboratory. Materials will be evaluated and possibly subjected to preliminary thermal testing. The effort concludes with a Final Report detailing the design study and the engineering output reflected in the Prototype Design. The design will be ready for manufacture at the beginning of Phase II.