Innovative Instrumentation Approaches for Monitoring and Control Applications

Advanced sensors (e.g., FOSS and LMSG) will be investigated through a sequence of quasi-static load tests on representative "simple" soft-good test article(s) (i.e., a piece of fabric). The range of validity of the proposed sensors will be assessed. The experimental results will be quantified and compared with photogrammetry measurements. A guideline on the feasibility of these sensors will be established based on the proposed study. Upon successful validation, the proposed advanced sensors may potentially be utilized for monitoring and control applications for NASA/JPL projects such as Mars 2020, missions with EDL capability, as well as integration into dynamics testing procedures at JPL such as random vibration, acoustics, and shock.

The goal of this task is to assess the viability of using advanced sensing technologies to measure strain on material with low modulus of elasticity such as soft-goods (e.g., canopy of a parachute).

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.

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.