| PROPOSAL NUMBER: | 04 T9.01-9933 |
| RESEARCH SUBTOPIC TITLE: | Rocket Propulsion Testing Systems |
| PROPOSAL TITLE: | High-Speed Thermal Characterization of Cryogenic Flows |
| SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (SBC) | RESEARCH INSTITUTION (RI) | ||
| NAME: | Luna Innovations Incorporated | NAME: | Virginia Polytechnic and State University |
| ADDRESS: | 2851 Commerce Street | ADDRESS: | 460 Turner Street, Suite 306 |
| CITY: | Blacksburg | CITY: | Blacksburg |
| STATE/ZIP: | VA24060-6657 | STATE/ZIP: | VA24060-3362 |
| PHONE: | (540)552-5128 | PHONE: | (540)231-5281 |
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER
(Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)
Sandra Klute
vogtw@lunainnovations.com
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
The John C. Stennis Space Center's primary mission is testing rocket propulsion systems and components for the Space Shuttle and for future generations of space vehicles. Research to develop new instrumentation technologies and techniques for test facility monitoring and control during propulsion testing includes the need for instrumentation to improve reliability and performance of ground test facilities. Current sensors can not survive the harsh conditions (high pressures and high flow rates) that are required for ground based rocket propulsion systems testing. Luna Innovations proposes to develop a high-speed, cryogenic fiber optic temperature sensor housed in a ruggedized, aerodynamic probe to increase sensing capabilities for ground-based rocket testing. Luna will be teaming with the Aerospace Department at a partnering university to develop a materials-compatible housing designed for survivability in high flow and high pressure cryogenic conditions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling will be conducted to optimize the aerodynamic design for frequency response and ruggedization of the sensor and housing. Special attention will be given to designing smart features into the sensor, such as self-diagnostics to monitor sensor health, and on-board storage of calibration data.
POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 100 WORDS)
Because of the cutting edge technology development within NASA, cryogenic systems are essential to some applications such as rocket ground testing, space stations applications, shuttle launch operations, and space and flight support applications. Instrumentation is key to the safe and efficient operation of these systems; hence, the technology proposed by Luna Innovations will enable monitoring of various systems with temperature measurements designed for cryogenic harsh-environments.
POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (LIMIT 100 WORDS)
Cryogenic temperature and pressure sensors can find use is a variety of applications such as rocket engines, superconducting magnets, and more recently hydrogen handling and storage infrastructure. Though the market is limited for cryogenic applications, the potential use of cryogenic storage in the fuel cell industry will open up a large market in the future for industry and consumer products.