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Radiation Resistant, Reconfigurable, Shape Memory Metal Rubber Space Arrays

Award Information

Agency:
National Aeronautics and Space Administration 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
95664 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
090080 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
T3 		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 1
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Radiation Resistant, Reconfigurable, Shape Memory Metal Rubber Space Arrays
Agency: NASA
Contract: NNX10RA85P
Award Amount: $100,000.00
 

Abstract:

NanoSonic has demonstrated that Shape Memory Metal RubberTM (SM-MR) adaptive skins exhibit reconfigurable and durable RF properties. It is hypothesized that such morphing skins shall also exhibit durable radiation resistance upon morphing; a property that few, if any, flexible materials offer. Typical highly filled or metal evaporated nanocomposites crack and spall upon flexation, and cannot be repeatedly mechanically stretched without rupture after a few cyclic strains. SM-MR nanostructured morphing materials are based on self-assembled high z, dense, Au and Ag nanoparticles, rather than Pb. Our manufacturing process yields tough skins that can be repeatedly and severely mechanically morphed without loss of EMI shielding (-88dB). NanoSonic, together with Colorado State University, have demonstrated that SM-MR is up to 50% lighter in weight and provides greater gamma ray attenuation relative to commercial off-the-shelf shielding materials, without emitting harmful secondary radiation under a 137Cs source. During Phase I, radiation shielding would be verified for SM-MR during potential disparate space array morphed configurations to demonstrate durability, stowability, and reconfigurability for space tolerant structures with self-healing properties to reach TRL6. TRL8 and 9 shall be reached during Phase II and III with assistance from our space systems prime partner upon flight testing and integration.

Principal Investigator:

Jennifer Lalli
Principal Investigator
5409531785
jlalli@nanosonic.com

Business Contact:

Lisa B. B. Lawson
Contracts Administrator
5409531785
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
Research Institution Information:
Colorado State University
1618 Campus Delivery
Ft. Collins, CO 80523
Contact Phone: 9704916450