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DEVELOPMENT OF A FAST RESPONSE FIBER-OPTIC FLEXURE BALANCE

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: N/A
Agency Tracking Number: 25779
Amount: $59,609.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 1994
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
21414 68th Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Mr Ron C Lilley
 (206) 872-9500
Business Contact
Phone: () -
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

A fast response aerodynamic balance will be developed for force and moment measurements under non-steady-state flight conditions. A cylindrical balance 2 inches in diameter and 6 inches long that uses a set of X-flexures will be considered as a candidate design. To satisfy the requirement for achieving a natural frequency of 100 Hz, the balance must be designed with very stiff flexures. The displacement of the sensing elements due to the loads imposed on them will be sensed with a fiber-optic sensing technique. Because the flexures are stiff, the displacements are small and require amplification. We will take advantage of mechanical leverage incorporated into the balance design to provide the amplification. The small displacements of the fiber-optic flexure balance will be sensed with a modified and upgraded commercial fiber-optic sensor, which is currently being used in a fiber-optic transducer under development at QUEST. During Phase I, we will develop and test a two-component laboratory balance. A six component prototype balance will then be designed and tested in Phase II. To strengthen our capability in the proposed R&D, we have invited the participation of two Boeing engineers specialized in sting-mounted balance design, fabrication, and operations. Their specialized knowledge complements well our capabilities for the proposed research and development.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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