Project Title:

Fiber-Optic Sensor Technology for High Altitude Balloons

09.13-7070
Fiber-Optic Sensor Technology for High Altitude Balloons
Geo Centers Inc.
7 Wells Avenue
Newton Centre
MA
02159
Ian
Aeby
(617-964-7070)
GSFC

Abstract:

Improvements in reliability of high-altitude balloon envelopes, which would increase
their acceptance as equipment platforms, requires a thorough understanding of their
failure mechanisms. The focus of this project is the use of fiber-optic strain sensors
embedded into the envelope materials to provide a light-weight, cost-effective diagnostic
system for monitoring strains within the envelope structure. Embedded strain sensors
offer improved data accuracy over adhesively bonded sensors, and the small size of
optical fibers produce a minimal impact on the mechanical properties and weight of
the envelope. This project will develop the fiber-optic sensors and the methodologies
for their application to the flexible, laminated polymer films of high altitude balloons.
Existing and novel fiber-optic sensors will be laminated into balloon materials and
tested. The results of these tests will then be used to develop strategies for integrating
a distributed fiber optic sensor network into an envelope to create an integrity
monitoring system.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Fiber-optic sensors could be applied to monitoring
strains in tires used in aircraft and mass transportation vehicles and in flexible
containers of flammable materials such as bladders in commercial aircraft fuel tanks.