System for Acquisition and Analysis of Energy-Based Acoustic Data for Rocket Noise

Accurate estimates of the vibroacoustic loading placed on space vehicles and payloads during launch require knowledge of the rocket noise source properties. Given the extreme nature of acoustic environments near the plume, data sufficient to characterize the noise source region have been difficult to acquire. Without these data, structures may be designed to handle an insufficient or excessive vibroacoustic loads, resulting in either an overbuilt structure (and extra weight), or an under-designed vibration isolation system that could result in damaged cargos. Current energy base acoustic probe designs have limited frequency bandwidth due to physical limitations. A new set of probe designs is proposed that incorporate both a new physical probe design but also a more advanced signal processing methodology that will significantly increase the usable frequency bandwidth of the probes while reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the probes. The probe system will also include the design of a complete data acquisition system capable of recording data under the harsh conditions present in typical rocket motor test firings.

While the initial commercialization approach will be to market this new capability to NASA, there is a large and growing private industry for launch vehicles (the SpaceX corporation for instance). BRRC intends to market to these commercial institutes as well as to market to engine manufactures such as ATK. As we develop the system during Phase II we will explore alternative applications to expand our customer base. While there are already some competing capabilities, we intend to investigate how these new sensors could provide a cost effective measurement technique for the analysis of high-power jet engine plumes as well.

Blue Ridge Research and Consulting has a history of providing quality service for a wide range of difficult measurement and modeling projects. We envision the results from this SBIR to add significantly to our ability to provide an advanced acoustic energy measurement capability. Since the real desire for our technology is most likely the acoustical data the system will generate and not the hardware system itself, we intend to package our product as a data service for our customers. For example, the current system for determining the vibroacoustic loads on launch vehicles is largely based on research that is 30 years old. Improved measurements on the modern set of launch vehicle motors could vastly improve the design for the virboacoustic loads.

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.