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Cooled Light Pipe Sheath
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 2, targeting 4)
Description
Current SoA light pipe designs provide reliable data to test article temperatures of 3,000 - 3,200°F but fail higher during temperature tests due to its proximity to heating elements that reach temperatures above 4,000 F. The Cooled Light Pipe Sheath would extend operating temperature range to 4,000 - 5,000°F.
Benefits
A cooled light pipe sheath would enable data collection and closed-loop thermal control throughout the full operating range of graphite heating elements (4,000-5,000°F). The increased temperature range would meet the needs of prospective test programs currently exploring FLL testing, and may translate into use at other national laboratories performing hypersonic ground testing.
Details
| Technology area | Thermal Management Systems |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA |
| Start date | 2022-10-01 |
| End date | 2023-09-30 |
Project contacts
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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.
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