← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 6 (started at 1, targeting 8)
NDE historically has focused technology development in propagating wave phenomena with little attention to the field of electrostatics and emanating electric fields. This work is intended to bring electrostatic imaging to the forefront of new inspection technologies, and new technologies in general. The specific goals are to specify the electric potential and electric field including the electric field spatial components emanating from, to, and throughout volumes containing objects or in free space.
Objectives
Development of new inspection technology for quantitative evaluating integrity of wire insulation, structural components, dielectric properties, electrostatic charge (ESD), locating and characterizing hidden objects, remote monitoring and characterization of human electrochemical activities.
Background
NDE historically has focused technology development in propagating wave phenomena, such as, X-ray, N-Ray, ultrasonic, microwave, thermal, terahertz, and eddy current with little attention to the field of electrostatics and emanating electric fields. This work is intended to bring electrostatic imaging to the forefront of new inspection technologies, and new technologies in general. The specific goals are to specify the electric potential and electric field including the electric field spatial components emanating from, to, and throughout volumes containing objects or in free space.
This work will be based on the original electric field sensor (e-Sensor) work disclosed by Generazio (2002). Current efforts have been focused on understanding the e-Sensor sensitivity and understanding the environment in which the e-Sensor is responding to.
Customers
NASA Programs, ESD mitigation programs, astronaut health monitoring, military, public transportation safety, medical community, and computer technology developers.
Milestones
FY16: Design 2D e-Sensor array and establish calibration protocols
FY17: Test array for imaging electronic& structural components
FY18: Document capability of 2D array
Project Manager
Edward R. Generazio (Retired)
New contact: Eric Burke DPM, 757-864-7724, eric.r.burke@nasa.gov
References
Generazio, E. R. ( November 19, 2013). Ephemeral Electric Potential and Electric Field Sensor; USTPO 61/906,068.
Generazio, E. R. (February 4, 2011). Electric Field Quantitative Measurement System and Method, USTPO 13/020,025 .
Generazio, E. R. (March 13, 2013). Quasi-Static Electric Field Generator, USTPO 13/800,379 .
All missions
* Electrostatic discharge (ESD) control requirements
* Electronic signature requirements, as received and damaged materials characterization requirements,
* Vehicle and component charging requirements
* Design and construction of unique electronic sensors
* Systems and human health monitoring in space.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — 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.