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Distributed Conformal Actuation with Electroactive Polymer

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
90113 		Program Year/Program:
2009 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
F08A-007-0075 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Infoscitex Corporation
303 BEAR HILL RD WALTHAM, MA -
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2009
Title: Distributed Conformal Actuation with Electroactive Polymer
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: FA9550-09-C-0030
Award Amount: $99,981.00
 

Abstract:

Application of electro-active polymer (EAP) to critical aerodynamic surfaces of Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) is proposed, in order to manage the boundary layer. EAP offers a means to achieve distributed actuation and can be readily conformed to the shape of an airfoil. At low Reynolds number-flight, typical of MAVs, the intent is (1) to promote transition to turbulence, where laminar separation would otherwise occur, and (2) to maintain laminar flow, where separation is not an issue. In Phase I, requirements for frequency, amplitude, and spatial character of the perturbations to the nominal airfoil shape will be established, including dynamic roughness (high spatial and temporal frequencies) and camber control (low spatial and temporal frequencies). EAP layers will be designed, manufactured and applied to a representative test airfoil. Bench tests will verify the capability of the airfoil to meet requirements, and indicate design improvements. Wind tunnel tests will also be conducted on the airfoil with EAP, in order to demonstrate the ability of the EAP to affect flow in a controlled manner. In Phase II, EAP would be applied to airfoils with compound curvature and with large and time-varying pressure gradients, and the benefits would be measured in a wind tunnel.

Principal Investigator:

James H. Goldie
Principal Engineer
7818901338
jgoldie@infoscitex.com

Business Contact:

William F. Thompson
Manager, Contracts
7818901338
bthompson@infoscitex.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

INFOSCITEX CORP.
303 Bear Hill Road Waltham, MA 02451

EIN/Tax ID: 043537120
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE
110 8th Street
Troy, NY 12180-3590
Contact: Richard E. Scammell
Contact Phone: (518) 276-6177
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university