SBIR-STTR Award

This Phase I SBIR will study the potential of a multi-axis fiber grating strain sensor system that is capable of monitoring strain internal to a solid rocket motor bondline. This multi-axis technology would allow unique multidimensional strain field analysis via a non-intrusive, embedded optical sensor. This technology could not only be used to monitor solid rocket motors, but has a wide range of aerospace platform applications, both military and commercial that employ bonded structures. It is also possible that this technology could be used on ships, bridges, and other large structures where bonded materials are playing an ever more important role.

This Phase II effort develops fiber grating sensors to measure transverse strain/pressure, shear strain, and temperature, in the vicinity of the bond line. Methods are developed to support ingress/egress from tactical rocket motors of fiber grating sensor arrays. Related testing of fiber grating strain sensors are performed using known and controlled boundary conditions and thermal loading in representative structures. The overall goal of the effort is to provide measurements necessary to determine the readiness of tactical missiles in the US Army inventory.The technology developed by this Phase II SBIR can be used to support health monitoring systems for military and commercial rockets produced by Boeing, Lockheed Martin, ATK Thiokol, and other aerospace manufactures. The technology can also be used to support health and damage assessment of a wide range of materials in aerospace and civil structures.

Keywords:
fiber, strain, grating, pressure, rocket, sensor, multiaxis