This project addresses NASA.s need for advanced sub-component development for application in the free Piston Stirling engine. New materials will be prepared from the class of materials known as Electro-Active Polymers (EAP). These materials will be engineered into films, fibers and membranes. These new EAP material platforms will then be tested for their actuation, power generation, and cooler sub-components. The new materials developed for this project will have their engineering figures of merit (FOMs) determined. In the first platform, these materials will be examined for their efficacy as linear actuators to assist in the process of driving a Stirling generator. In the second platform, SFST proposes to replace the bulky, heavy linear alternator of today.s Stirling engines with an EAP polymer platform. A successful demonstration of our Phase I technical objectives would be a break through for Stirling engine technology. A simple Stirling test engine will be designed and set-up for determining FOMs determined with other physical measurements in Santa Fe. An interim and final report will be deliverables in Phase I. Optimized samples and devices will be sent to NASA GRC for testing on the Alpha Stream or TASHE at the beginning, middle and end of the Phase II project.
