SBIR-STTR Award

The army desires innovative alternatives to existing roll-rate sensors which are not optimum for use in smart munitions. We propose the use of "ferrofluidic roll-rate sensors (FRRS)" which are simple, have milliwatt power requirements, are inherently rugged, weigh a few ounces, and are less than one cubic inch in size. Laboratory sensors show excellent long term stability after dormant storage, repeatibility to within one percent, and roll rates between 0 deg and 3600 deg/second. Phase one research is needed to define their limits and show the feasibility of further ruggedizing. A conceptual smart munitions frrs roll-rate sensor design will be provided for further development of an army modularized and electrically standardized roll-rate sensor in phase two. Extensive military and commercial applications of the frrs have been identified.