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Lightweight Metal RubberTM Sensors and Interconnects

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
77823 		Program Year/Program:
2007 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
054172 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
NanoSonic, Inc.
158 Wheatland Drive Pembroke, VA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2007
Title: Lightweight Metal RubberTM Sensors and Interconnects
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNL07AA05C
Award Amount: $600,000.00
 

Abstract:

The objective of this NASA Phase II program is to develop and increase the Technology Readiness Level of multifunctional Metal RubberTM (MRTM) materials that can be used as 1) large strain sensors, and 2) strain-insensitive electrical interconnects for aerospace systems and structures. The aerospace systems-level problem these materials would help solve is the inability of currently available metal-based sensors and wiring/interconnects to undergo the large strains and displacements associated with shape changes of inflatable, flexible and morphing structures. During Phase I, NanoSonic demonstrated the feasibility of the MRTM family of free-standing nanocomposite materials to serve as 1) electrically-conductive, low-modulus electrode wiring for a) large displacement mechanical actuators required to affect large shape changes, and b) embedded or attached electrical data buses that are not affected by strain, and 2) strain sensors capable of measuring very large strains to allow mapping of the deformation of adaptive structural components. During Phase I, NanoSonic also developed a first-principles physical model of electrical conductivity percolation in Metal RubberTM, and performed experimental analysis to validate model assumptions. During Phase II, NanoSonic would work cooperatively with a large aerospace contractor to optimize material properties, upscale material production, and evaluate material performance under simulated space environmental conditions.

Principal Investigator:

Andrea N. Hill
Principal Investigator
5409531785
ahill@nanosonic.com

Business Contact:

Lisa B. Lawson
Contracts Administrator
5409531785
llawson@nanosonic.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

NanoSonic, Inc.
1485 South Main Street Blacksburg, VA 24060

EIN/Tax ID: 541877635
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No