Wireless Networked Sensors for Remote Monitoring in Propulsion Systems

This NASA Phase I SBIR program would fabricate wireless networked nanomembrane (NM) based surface pressure sensors for remote monitoring in propulsion systems, using SOI (Silicon on Insulator) NM techniques in combination with our pioneering HybridSil ceramic nanocomposite materials. Such low-modulus, conformal nanomembrane sensor skins with integrated interconnect elements and electronic devices can be applied to new or existing propulsion systems for acoustic surface pressure analysis. During this NASA SBIR, we will transition the wireless semiconductor nanomembrane sensors from their current concept and prototype stage to instrumentation products of use to NASA�s propulsion facilities, other NASA aerostructure instrumentation programs, academic researchers and industrial technologists. We will perform synthesis of sensor skin materials with optimized transduction, hysteresis and environmental properties, specifically for high Reynold�s number flow and also varying temperature use. Support wireless electronics will be optimized to acquire, multiplex, store and process raw sensor array data.

The anticipated initial market of the wireless high frequency surface sensors is for remote monitoring in propulsion systems. An appreciation of the instrumentation issues obtained by working with NASA propulsion facilities would allow improvements in sensor materials, electronics and packaging, and potentially allow the transition of related products to operational vehicles.

The commercialization potential of the NM technology lies in four areas, namely 1) NM sensor skin arrays for the measurement of multi-axis surface pressure, 2) Broader sensor skin arrays for the measurement of pressure, 3) Single-element air or water flow sensors, and 4) wireless module.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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.