Development of Three Models for Generating the Electric Arc needed to Modify a Shock Wave, Year 2

Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)

Description

Continue with development of multi electrode model for generating approximately axisymmetric arc distribution. Developing new model with mechanically rotating outer electrode. Develop new model with multiple outer electrodes which arc at the same time. Modify power supply from pulsed to DC. Test models with supersonic blow down at AFRC. Test 1 model at Cal Poly Pomona wind tunnel.

Benefits

Tie down method to control electric arc. This model will move on to NASA Langley for a large supersonic test to explore the far field effect of the electric arc. If successful, this technology will go on to be incorporated with the current methods of sonic boom mitigation to loosen the current aircraft design restrictions.

Details

Technology area	Flight Vehicle Systems > Aeroscience > Aerodynamics
Program	Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF)
Lead organization	Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA
Start date	2021-10-01
End date	2022-09-30

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

Aliyah N Ali — aliyah.n.ali@nasa.gov
Isaiah M Blankson — isaiah.m.blankson@nasa.gov
Stanton K Yarbrough — sky.yarbrough@nasa.gov

How to get involved

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.

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.