Piezoelectric Structural Microensor Technology for Extreme Environments (> 1800 F)

High temperature piezoelectric crystal (HTPC) sensors are desired for future propulsion component structure health monitoring, operating parameters optimization, turbine engine control and health monitoring, as well as improving performance and maintainability of power production facilities and other rotary combustion engines. Recently discovered high temperature piezoelectrics showed stable piezoelectric properties and high resistivity at temperatures close to its melting point (~ 1500 C) , which is very promising for high temperature sensor applications. The Phase I results demonstrated excellent temperature sensing and vibration sensing performance at temperature up to 1000 C (> 1800 F). In Phase II, low profile HTPC microsensors design, fabrication and attachment will be further investigated and optimized. Highly sensitive HTPC piezoelectric structural microsensors will be prototyped and characterized for temperature, stress and acceleration measurements at temperatures up to 2000 oF. HTPC microsensor reliability will also be studied in Phase II. HTPC microsensors will significantly advance NASA, DOD and industrial high temperature measurements because of their low profile, simple structure, high sensitivity, quick response, and high reliability.

High temperature sensors can be used for turbine engine control and health monitoring, high mach flight tests, as well as improving performance and maintainability of power production facilities and other rotary combustion engines.

High temperature piezoelectric crystal (HTPC) based structural sensor technology is desired for NASA future aerospace propulsion systems under the Fundamental Aeronautics Program (FAP). Specifically, high temperature sensors will be used for future propulsion component structure health monitoring and operating parameters optimization. The HTPC sensors can also benefit the current space vehicles health monitoring by providing high temperature structural data.

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.

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.