Drag Reduction and Flight Control Using Off-Body Energy Deposition, Year 1

What are the key technical challenges? Implementation of non-equilibrium thermochemistry; Accurate energy balance; Dynamic impulse measurements at Mach 2) What is your approach/research plan? Combined CFD/Experimental investigation; Bench laser deposition data (incident, transmitted power, blast wave expansion rate); Impulse for single energy pulses using model spring-mass system dynamic response. What are the innovative aspects (how is this different than what others are doing in industry, academia government)? Non-equilibrium thermochemistry rather than ideal gas; Full energy accounting for laser energy deposition; Wind tunnel model impulse drag measurements rather than steady state (reduces laser/experimental costs/ and risks)

Interest in high speed drag reduction and control by energy deposition exists across government agencies and DoD awaiting proof-of-concept and system energy assessment. Successful demonstration will justify/promote follow-on NASA programmatic funding and collaboration with other related government efforts (e.g., AFRL)

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — 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.

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