Flexible Multifunctional Structural Health Monitoring Systems for Inflatable Space Habitat Structures

Inflatable structures are being pursued as candidates for long-term habitats in space. The ability to monitor and assess the structural health of an inflatable module is an important factor in determining the feasibility of using inflatable technologies for habitat requirements, especially in the presence of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) threats. There is therefore a need for Structural Health Monitoring methods to perform impact detection andlocalizationto the inflatable structures throughout the structures mission. This capability must be accomplished within real constraints for sensor volume, mass, and crew resources, including being able to perform effective damage monitoring of the inflatable habitat layers automaticallyduring a mission either on a routine basis or as a quick- response basis.Acellent has extensive experience in developing space and field-ready Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) diagnostic systems.This program will focus on development, maturation, assembly and automation of Flexible multifunctional Structural Health Monitoring systems for inflatable space habitat structures. The program will enable the low-cost manufacturing of integrated sensing capabilities in inflatable softgoods material systems that are needed to monitor impact detection in situ andmeasure load/strain on softgoods components. The Phase II effort will focus on developinga complete system for SHM for inflatable habitats andtesting on a sub scale inflatable habitats. Integration of sensors into the inflatable materails will be a key development conducted during the Pkhase II.The work will be done in close co-ordination with NASA and subcontractors that will provide Vectran materails, manufacture the sub scale inflatable and perform testing. Space habitats structures are one of the most critical components for future space, as they must provide the maximum amount of livable volume with the minimum amount of mass. The ability to monitor and assess the structural health of an inflatable habitat module is an important factor in determining the feasibility of using them for habitat requirements, especially in the presence of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) threats. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems can be used for detection and localization of damage to inflatable structures due to external impacts throughout the space mission. This program focuses on the development, maturation, assembly and automation of “Flexible multifunctional Structural Health Monitoring systems for inflatable space habitat structures”. The program will enable the low-cost manufacturing of integrated sensing capabilities in inflatable structures to monitor impact damage in situ and measure load/strain. Acellent will utilize its past experience in developing space and field-ready SHM diagnostic systems for developing the SHM system.  The primary objective will be to  completely develop and test the SHM system for use with inflatable structures. Acellent will partner with  Bally ribbon mills for Vectran materials with and without built-in cabling for integration with thee sensor network ILC for fabrication of a subscale inflatable habitat Lockheed Martin for complete SHM system guidance and inflatable testing  Key objectives will include the following: 1.Develop Sensor Design & Robust Installation Method   Acellent will design a sensor network with both strain gages and PZT sensors for integration with the inflatable materials. 2. Optimize DAQ hardware, cabling, connectors etc Acellent will utilize its current IMGenie Pro and ScanGenie hardware as the basis for an onboard, light-weight data-acquisition system. 3. Software development Acellent will refine its current impact-localization algorithms, improving accuracy for flexible softgood structures. Strain monitoring algorithms will be developed. 4. Perform Sensitivity Testing  Acellent will instrument inflatable test structures for sensitivity testing associated with micro-meteoroid impacts.  5. Perform Component Level Test for inflatable habitat for SHM system testing   Acellent will instrument a subscale inflatable component and test for simulated micro-meteoroid impacts. 6. Work with NASA to install on inflatable habitat and conduct testing (If opportunity exists) 

NASA is currently looking for SHM technologies that are small and lightweight to provide onboard monitoring capabilities and are easy to install. The proposed system has several critical future exploration applications including support of technologies for self-assembly, in-space assembly, in-space maintenance & servicing, and  highly reliable autonomous deep-space systems.  These technologies have the potential of significantly increasing safety, reliability, affordability, and effectiveness of NASA missions.  The proposed SHM system can be used in several different platforms including Commercial and Military fixed wing, rotorcraft and unmanned Aircraft, Commercial and Military space structures, Mining, Bridges, Buildings and other platforms. 

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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