Self-Calibrating, Conformal Nanomembrane based Pressure Sensors for Embedded Sensing Applications

This Air Force Phase I STTR program would develop self-calibrating, conformal nanomembrane (NM) based pressure sensors for embedded sensing applications, using SOI (Silicon on Insulator) NM techniques in combination with our pioneering nanocomposite materials.Such low-modulus, conformal nanomembrane sensor skins with integrated self-calibration, interconnect elements and electronic devices that can be applied to new or existing wind tunnel models for flow dynamics analysis, or to aerospace vehicles for real-time monitoring. Through a previous program, NanoSonic has demonstrated the feasibility of NM transducer materials for the measurement of high frequency dynamic shear and normal pressure. We will integrate NIST traceable standards and methodologies to the sensor skins. We will then fabricate the self-calibrating, conformal NM based pressure sensors using optimized materials. NanoSonic and our partners will perform complete analysis of sensor cross-sensitivities and noise sources to allow optimization of signal-to-noise ratio and practical sensor sensitivity. Support electronics will be optimized to acquire, multiplex, store and process raw sensor array and calibration data.