Advanced Phased Array Instrumentation and Processing for Engine Inlet Measurements

The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2), in partnership with OptiNav, Inc., proposes to develop advanced phased-array instrumentation and processing capabilities for aircraft engine-inlet measurements. High channel-count, high-density, reduced cost-per-channel microphone arrays, using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) piezoelectric microphones with backside contacts and advanced packaging technology, will be integrated into model-scale inlet design/build efforts to revolutionize engine-inlet phased-array measurement capabilities through increases in array density and channel count while significantly reducing the cost per channel. These measurement advances will be coupled with development of advanced array processing techniques to take full advantage of the enhanced measurement capabilities, including handling of the three-dimensional (3D) problem associated with nonuniform inlet geometries. This proposed technology is in response to the NASA SBIR 2022 Phase I solicitation subtopic A1.02 Quiet Performance Aircraft Propulsion Noise where improvements in propulsion noise prediction, diagnostics, and reduction are needed for subsonic and supersonic aircraft. This work is aimed at addressing the aerospace industrys need for technically feasible and economically viable engine-inlet array-measurement capabilities that enable required noise diagnostic capabilities including characterization of in-duct noise source spatial and temporal content. The Interdisciplinary Consulting Corporation (IC2), in partnership with OptiNav, Inc., proposes to develop advanced phased-array instrumentation and processing capabilities for aircraft engine-inlet measurements. High channel-count, high-density, reduced cost-per-channel microphone arrays, using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) piezoelectric microphones with backside contacts and advanced packaging technology, will be integrated into model-scale inlet design/build efforts to revolutionize engine-inlet phased-array measurement capabilities through increases in array density and channel count while significantly reducing the cost per channel.  The end result of this innovative approach is a lower-cost, high-density engine-inlet acoustic array, enabling higher channel-count arrays comprised of high-bandwidth, high-dynamic-range, flush-mounted aeroacoustic microphones. The advanced processing capabilities will unleash the potential of these microphone arrays to provide unprecedented noise source information for in-duct noise sources and noise propagation. he Phase II research and development effort focuses on development of the advanced inlet array microphones and processing algorithms for both uniform and nonuniform geometries proposed in Phase I, and demonstration of the efficacy of these algorithms through an engine inlet demonstrator model test. Technical Objectives: Complete a review of the sensor performance and array processing requirements and update the requirements based on new information Develop specifications for an engine inlet array demonstrator model Update sensor designs and sensor packaging designs per the requirements update and the inlet array demonstrator model specification Update array processing algorithm proposals per the requirements update Design and build the engine inlet array demonstrator model Fabricate and package microphones ready for installation in the demonstrator model Calibrate the microphones and instrument the demonstrator model Develop the proposed array processing algorithms and software implementations  Develop a noise source to be used in the demonstrator test Conduct a demonstrator test Process demonstrator test data using newly developed array processing algorithms Deliverables: Initial Summary Chart, IT Security Management Plan, Quarterly Demonstration Reports, Interim/Final NTSR, Interim/Final Summary Chart, and a Final Report

The proposed instrumentation technology has the potential to be usable in multiple NASA facilities as well as implemented across government-owned, industry and academic institution test facilities. Potential NASA applications include use in nonuniform inlets such as the Source Diagnostic Test (SDT) inlet and non-axisymmetric inlets such as those on the Boundary Layer Ingestion (BLI) propulsion concept and the X-59 QueSST aircraft used in the Low Boom Demonstration Project. The technology has applications for nonuniform inlets such as DARPA's Quiet Supersonic Platform.  The emerging urban air mobility (UAM) market is a key target for the proposed technology. Additional possible customers include aircraft manufacturers and engine developers for aerospace or industrial applications.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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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