Physics-Based Conceptual Design Tools

In the current proposal, the M4 Structures Studio software will be matured into a viable commercial product for analyzing and rapidly predicting conceptual design vehicle weight for conventional and unconventional rotorcraft and fixed wing aircraft. One of the key focuses of the current effort will be the improvement of software robustness and reliability through the refinement of core software routines and libraries. Several enhancements will be developed including the addition of features enabling efficient multidisciplinary analysis and optimization (MDAO) and the addition of specific critical rotorcraft features for loads modeling. Software accessibility will be improved by enabling the support of additional operating systems. Software usability will be extended by integrating with existing industry standard rotorcraft simulation tools (e.g. IXGEN and RCAS). Lastly, software validation will be accomplished through the creation and development of a variety of demonstration cases inclusive of both conventional and unconventional configurations.

The primary NASA application for the current effort is the NASA RVLT project. The RVLT project is currently planning to integrate M4 Structures Studio into the tool chain for rapidly performing multidisciplinary conceptual design of vertical lift aircraft. This addition will address an identified need for developing accurate predictions of the weight of novel aircraft, including those for Urban Air Mobility. Other NASA applications occurred during the Phase I and II efforts when the software was applied to the Low Boom Flight Demonstrator.

M4 Engineering has active relationships with several prime contractors who are likely users of this technology. These include Boeing Phantom Works, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon. These provide excellent commercialization opportunities for the technology. The proposed enhancements will dramatically streamline the physics-based weight prediction process for conceptual rotorcraft designs.

This is a mature technology (TRL 9) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.