Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: N162-100

Description

To address the Navys need for an integrated hybrid structural health monitoring (SHM) system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Hybrid Integrated Structural Integrity Monitoring (HISIM) System. It is based on excitation of aircraft structures using piezoelectric (PZT) actuators and detection of the structural responses using novel fiber optic (FO) sensors. Specifically, the innovation in use of novel miniature PZT actuators, unique FO sensor designs, and a commercial modular signal-conditioner-based integrated data acquisition and control unit, will enable the HISIM to accurately detect structural damage. Therefore, this system offers high accuracy, broadband frequency response for detection of both static and dynamic structural response, no crosstalk between sensors, low signal attenuation for transmission across the entire platform, small size and weight, and no structural degradation after placement, which directly address the V-22 platform requirements for an integrated hybrid SHM system. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of HISIM by using a PZT/FO sensor network to monitor loads and detect damage on simulated structural components, reaching TRL-3. In Phase II, POC plans to develop a complete hybrid SHM system prototype and demonstrate the system's structural monitoring capabilities on representative V-22 structural components, reaching TRL-4 to -5.