System Compliant Actuation for Structural Engine Noise Remission, Phase I

The purpose of the research into ?Compliant Actuator? design will be to demonstrate to prototype level a low profile fully integrated control mechanism. This mechanism will be the first of its kind in that it enables independent multifunctionally integrated control including all i/o, processing, control and power functions in a single compliant package that uses a active piezoceramic substrate. A compliant actuator can integrate a choice of piezoceramic actuators including piezoceramic wafers, MFC?s, NASA Flex-Pak or QorTek?s Thunder bimorphs etc. as its substrate/activation component as to yield a wide variety wideband controlled actuation systems with high s/n ratio. Used as a strain actuator, it extends with internal applied voltage while bonded to the surface of a structure. Used as a bimorph actuator, it bends with applied voltage while clamped firmly at one end in response to the internal thin film sensor measurements

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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