Field Deployable Wireless Data Acquisition System for Ground-Test Arrays

The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2) proposes to develop a field-deployable wireless data acquisition system (WDAS) for microphone phased arrays that are applicable in noise-source localization or beamforming measurements such as those encountered during airframe noise flyover measurement tests. This proposed technology is in response to NASA SBIR 2019 Phase I solicitation subtopic A1.02 Quiet Performance - Airframe Noise Reduction for the improvement of “innovative source identification techniques for airframe noise sources, such as landing gear and high lift systems.” The proposed measurement system expands NASA’s technology portfolio to allow for faster, higher-accuracy, lower-effort/cost testing by minimizing the technological, logistical, and cost-prohibitive issues of performing field-deployed microphone phased-array tests. These improvements will allow for increased usage of phased-array flyover testing, and increased size/resolution arrays. Potential applications for the system include field-deployed noise flyover-measurement tests, and field-deployed engine-stand noise emissions tests. The realization of this capability not only benefits the testing of next-generation innovative noise-reduction airframe structures, but also impacts turbine and fairing test facilities, extending the current capabilities of NASA’s flight- and ground-test facilities.

The proposed instrumentation technology has the potential to be transportable across multiple NASA facility classes as well as implemented across government-owned, industry and academic institution test facilities. As NASA’s need for more accurate noise emissions testing continues to grow, costs and infrastructure for traditional cabled solutions will also expand. IC2’s proposed technology allows for the collection of higher fidelity emissions data obtained from denser phase arrays while minimizing strain on budget requirements.

The largest non-NASA and commercial markets are the department of defense and the commercial aerospace market. The United States and the EU have numerous noise emissions requirements with which government and commercial aerospace corporations must comply. Their need to meet ever-more stringent requirements will drive an increased demand for phased-array testing.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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