Ultra-Wide Bandwidth, Conformal Strain Sensors for Nondestructive Evaluation Applications

This NASA Phase I SBIR program would develop ultra-wide bandwidth, conformal nanomembrane based strain sensors for nondestructive evaluation applications, using silicon on insulator techniques in combination with nanocomposite materials. The team has recently demonstrated the conformal strain sensors with a frequency response from DC to 5MHz. The team will perform synthesis of sensor skin materials with optimized transduction, hysteresis and environmental properties, specifically for structure health monitoring of aerospace structures such as multi-wall pressure vessels and micrometeoroid shielding. The team will fabricate patterned two-dimensional sensor arrays and internal electronics using optimized materials. Calibration of sensor elements will be conducted. Support electronics will be developed to acquire, multiplex, store and process raw sensor array data.