NASA Phase II
(MY NOTE: Thanks to message board poster bucktailjig05 for bringing this to my attention.)
SBIR 2010
SBIR 2010 Phase II Selection Announcement Announced on December 19, 2011
National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
2010 Phase 2
Proposals Selected for Negotiation of Contracts
FIRM LIST
Picometrix, LLC2925 Boardwalk Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-6765
Marsha Gilbert (734) 864-5600
10-2-X5.04-8154 LaRC
Miniaturized Time Domain Terahertz Non Destructive Evaluation for In-Orbit Inspection of Inflatable Habitats and Thermal Protection Systems
| PROPOSAL NUMBER: | 10-2 X5.04-8154 |
| PHASE 1 CONTRACT NUMBER: | NNX11CH15P |
| SUBTOPIC TITLE: | Spaceflight Structural Sensor Systems and NDE |
| PROPOSAL TITLE: | Miniaturized Time Domain Terahertz Non Destructive Evaluation for In-Orbit Inspection of Inflatable Habitats and Thermal Protection Systems |
Picometrix, LLC
2925 Boardwalk Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - 6765
(734) 864-5600
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)
David Zimdars
dzimdars@picometrix.com
2925 Boardwalk
Ann Arbor, MI 48104 - 6765
(734) 864-5639
Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) at beginning and end of contract:
Begin: 4
End: 6
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words)
Picometrix's time-domain terahertz (TD-THz) non-destructive evaluation (NDE) technology could be used to inspect space flight structures such as inflatable space habitats, thermal protection systems (TUFI-type tiles, SOFI TPS), for voids, disbonds, and damage such as tearing and micron-meteorite impact. The current instrumentation paradigm is that a multi-purpose TD-THz control unit is used to provide common drive, data acquisition, and analysis functionality to interchangeable sensors and imaging which connect to the control unit with a fiber-optic/electrical umbilical. However, the current COTS control unit is substantially larger and heavier than would be desirable for a space-flight capable unit. In Phase II we will construct a prototype compact TD-THz control unit with a fiber optically coupled remote compact TD-THz reflection tomography sensor based on the Phase I designs. At the end of a successful Phase II, and transitioned into Phase III, we envision that a hand-held A or B-Scan NDE imager could attach to a control unit, sufficiently robust for spaceflight, no larger than a shoebox. In Phase II, it should be possible to reduce the size of the control unit to approximately 1/3 of the current values to, for example, 14 in. X 10 in. X 4 in. and 15 pounds.
POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)
At the end of a successful Phase II, the goal would be to space qualify the compact control unit design in Phase III so that it could be used for in-orbit inspections of inflatable habitats and thermal protection systems. In addition, THz NDE instrumentation will be valuable in characterizing the aging and durability of aircraft and spacecraft materials and components. Materials include ceramics, foams, Kevlar, Zylon, and other non-conductive polymer matrix composites. Additional NDE applications include inspection of soft shell fan containment, thermal protection systems, and composite overwrap pressure vessels.
POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)
Ceramics, foams, and polymer matrix composites are used in automobile and ships and many other consumer and industrial products. A compact TD-THz imaging system could be used inspect automobile dashboards, inspect for delamination of printed circuit boards, inspect of pipe insulation, as well as inspect manufactured parts such as pure plastic and paper products. A compact TD-THz imager benefits homeland security applications under development such as personnel and luggage inspection for concealed weapons and explosives (in luggage, shoes, etc.).
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