NASA SBIR 2008 Solicitation

SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN (Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)
Shape Change Technologies
1731 Hendrix Avenue
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 - 3316
(805) 312-5665

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER (Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/Zip, Phone)
Peter Jardine
jardine@shape-change.com
1731 Hendrix Ave.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 - 3316
(805) 805-5665

Expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) upon completion of contract: 3 to 4

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words)
In Phase I, Shape Change Technologies had developed a process to manufacture net shape TiNi foam torque tubes that demonstrated the shape memory effect. The torque tubes dramatically reduce the response time by a factor of 10 and with integrated hexagonal ends, make structural connections fascile. In Phase II we see to mature this actuator technology by rigorously characterizing the process to optimize the quality of the TiNi and develop a set of metrics to provide ISO 9002 quality assurance. With the rapid response time, a Labview based real time control of the torsional actuators will be developed. With team partner Boeing, we will develop these actuators for aerospace applications and Boeing will independently characterize the actuators.

POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)
The development of porous foam TiNi torsional actuators fits into a niche of a large torque, large strain, fast response, solid state actuator. Our initial thoughts on NASA applications are to introduce these into new NASA concepts, such as in "morphing" UAVs, or such as the concept vehicles where wing twist can be used to control flexible wing structures. In addition to aircraft, the torsional actuators can also be used for deployment of booms, both for deploying sensors in aircraft but also in spacecraft where the lightweight, minimal part count actuators could be heated electrically. For next generation shuttles, where the actuators must also be space qualified, this type of actuator to control wing twist, nacelle structures or ancillary aircraft structures would be of great benefit.

POTENTIAL NON-NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words)
Commercial applications take two forms, one is introduction of these tubes to control variable nacelle structures, for example in Boeings new concept. More aerodynamically efficient structures via actuation control can also be introduced into windmills and turbines for more efficient energy generation. Light weight torsional actuators can also find application in assisting the disabled, for example as a lift device, as the cost of the device could be reduced to levels similar for hydraulic actuators but with less bulk. If the cost can be reduced sufficiently , this SME technology can be introduced within the broader cast of SME actuators now being introduced into the vehicle fleet.

NASA's technology taxonomy has been developed by the SBIR-STTR program to disseminate awareness of proposed and awarded R/R&D in the agency. It is a listing of over 100 technologies, sorted into broad categories, of interest to NASA.

TECHNOLOGY TAXONOMY MAPPING

Aircraft Engines Airframe Controls-Structures Interaction (CSI) Erectable Kinematic-Deployable Launch and Flight Vehicle Modular Interconnects Multifunctional/Smart Materials Thermodynamic Conversion