Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the Armys need for a multifunctional integrated drive system sensor to monitor

Description

To address the Armys need for a multifunctional integrated drive system sensor to monitor rotorcraft drive system health, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Multilayered and Arrayed Fiber Optic Sensor Suite (MAFOSS) system. It is based on integration of multiple types of fiber optic sensors arrayed on a single MEMS chip, coated with p-SiAlCN. The innovations in a new fiber optic MEMS sensor design, novel hard coating on the MEMS, and new model-based prognostic software design, will enable the MAFOSS to reliably monitor rotorcraft drive system health. Therefore, this system offers small size, light weight, fault tolerance, and capability to survive harsh aviation environments. In Phase I we will develop the MAFOSS system design and determine its feasibility through modeling, simulation, and development of a proof-of-concept prototype for bench testing; select a representative drive system component for sensor suite design and lab testing, and address usage and diagnostics models. We will also define an aircraft-level architecture and a roadmap for implementation, and address integration with existing aircraft health and usage monitoring systems (HUMSs). In Phase II, we will develop and test a fully functional MAFOSS system and multiple sensors at locations covering the entire aircraft drive system.