Conformable and Stretchable Sensing System (CaSSS)

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) and University of New Mexico (UNM) propose a stretchable, conformable sensor net (smart skin) that can be wrapped around an aircraft, spacecraft, or other object to provide situational awareness of the local surroundings as well as vehicle status monitoring. The conformal material will flex and stretch as needed to make a one-size-fits-most skin that can conform as needed to arbitrary structures on a vehicle. Standardized power and data connections embedded in the conformal layer will make sensor nodes interchangeable to provide different functions as needed for particular applications. In Phase I, the team will demonstrate a conformable/stretchable membrane with broadband antenna-element sensor nodes to detect the presence and direction of an RF emitter. In Phase II, the team will expand the capabilities of the sensor net by adding other sensor modalities and integration smart electronics.