You are here

Fast Response Shape Memory Alloy Control Surfaces for Hypersonic Munitions

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Navy
Contract: N00014-05-M-0180
Agency Tracking Number: N054-014-0032
Amount: $69,896.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N05-T014
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2005
Award Year: 2005
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2005-08-01
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2006-05-31
Small Business Information
2901 Prosperity Rd
Blacksburg, VA 24060
United States
DUNS: 003220998
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: Yes
Principal Investigator
 Matthew Langford
 Senior Research Engineer
 (540) 961-4401
 mlangford@techsburg.com
Business Contact
 Tamara Murray
Title: Business Manager
Phone: (540) 961-4401
Email: tmurray@techsburg.com
Research Institution
 VIRGINIA TECH
 David Richardson
 
Office of Sponsored Programs, 460 Turner St., Ste. 306(0170)
Blacksburg, VA 24060
United States

 (540) 231-5281
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

The Techsburg Inc./Virginia Tech Center for Intelligent Material Systems and Structures (CIMSS) team proposes a novel approach to supersonic/hypersonic munition flight control systems. In the proposed Phase I effort, we will analytically and numerically investigate using high-temperature shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators to drive fin flow effectors to control high-speed munitions. A coupled thermal/kinematic/mechanical code will be developed to model SMA actuator force, deflection, and time response. An optimized flow effector design will be determined using computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and the loading from the CFD simulations will be used as an input to the analytical model. A closed-loop control code incorporating the actuator attributes from the model will be developed. Finally, a proof-of-concept fin prototype incorporating SMA-actuated flow effectors will be designed, fabricated, and tested to experimentally validate and tune the model. The design will incorporate several novel features, such as using forced convection air to simultaneously improve actuator time response and augment flow effector performance.

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

US Flag An Official Website of the United States Government