Weaved distributed fiber optic sensor (WevFOS™) inflatable habitab structural health monitoring system

Redondo Optics Inc. (ROI), proposes to design, build, laboratory and field test, and deliver to NASA an innovative, autonomous, lightweight, low power, wireless communication woven distributed fiber optic sensor (WevFOS™) structural health monitoring and diagnosis system suitable for the in-situ, real-time, global assessment of the passive and dynamic loads/stress/strains, temperature, pressure, and acoustics state within large and entire cross-sections of the inflatable soft-goods materials and restrain layer structures used in the construction of NASA’s future space habitat systems for space exploration missions. In the Phase I program, ROI will implement a manufacturing methodology for weaving fiber optic strain sensors within Vectran or Kevlar textile fabrics, braids, and strands used in the construction assembly of the inflatable habitat bladder structural restrain layer. Using the produced “Smart” restrain layer textile fabrics, ROI plans to produce a simulated down-scale laboratory test prototype of an inflatable structure incorporating a distributed array of 8- to 12-sensor fibers, each integrating a multiplex array 12- to 16 strain sensors suitable for the multi-point distributed of the global load/stress/strain, temperature, and pressure state of the bladder restrain layer inflatable simulator under a variety of loads (≥ 20,000-lbs/in in width) and harsh environmental conditions expected in NASA’s inflatable habitat structures. In Phase II, ROI will complete the engineering development, produce, extensively laboratory test, environmentally qualify, and demonstrate the assembly production of a down-scale inflatable habitat platform integrated with a WevFOS™ SHM system for the real time global measurement of the strain dynamics of the bladder restrain layer under standard space environment operational conditions. In Phase III with the support of a strategic partner, ROI will transition the WevFOS™ technology to NASA’s inflatable habitat programs, and commerc