Propellant Health Monitoring System

To address the Navy need for a sensor capable of detecting cracks in propellant grain and transmitting the sensor data wirelessly through a hermetically sealed rocket motor case, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (ISI) proposes, in Phase II, to advance the new Propellant Health Monitoring (PHEM) system that has been proven feasible in Phase I. The PHEM system is based on the novel integration of piezoelectric transducers for propellant health inspection with ultralow-power components and electronic design. Specifically, this unique integration of ultrasonic propellant-monitoring sensor enables PHEM to detect cracks; the implemented data transfer link allows transferring the status data through the metal walls of the sealed rocket motor case. The novel implementation of the piezoelectric sensors and actuators, along with low power electronics, supports more than10 years of service life. As a result, the PHEM system will provide reliable, long-term monitoring for the propellant-actuated devices (PADs) and cartridge-actuated devices (CADs) on military aircraft. In Phase II, ISI plans to refine and optimize the PHEM system, develop a fully functional prototype capable of surviving and operating as designed while installed in a hermetically sealed rocket case, and demonstrate its compatibility with the propellant grain and other construction materials, meeting all Navy requirements.