SBIR-STTR Award

Hydraulic componentry for aircraft bomb rack and missile launcher systems requiring very high hydraulic pressures are being developed, however, typically the component weight is high and there is a strong desire to investigate methods to reduce the total weight. Components made of composites and hybrids are desirable options in order to reduce weight and therefore maximize aircraft fuel efficiency and speed. This proposed effort utilizes a new and innovative approach to lightweight pressure devices, based on shape memory alloy hybrid composites. Shape memory alloy (SMA) hybrid composites are a class of composites which contain embedded sma fibers which can act as internal actuators to resist the tensile stresses caused by internal pressure. If SMA is used on the exterior of a thin-walled pressure device, and electric current is passed through the sma actuators, the SMA will create a compressive force within the material. This return force is adequate to counteract the hoop stress of the thin-walled pressure device. The resulting hybrid composite thin-walled vessel with sma actuators is significantly lighter than all-composite vessels or monolithic metallic vessels.

Hydraulic componentry for aircraft bomb rack and missile launcher systems requiring very high hydraulic pressures are being developed, however, typically the component weight is high and there is a strong desire to investigate methods to reduce the total weight. Components made of composites and hybrids are desirable options in order to reduce weight and therefore maximize aircraft fuel efficiency and speed. The proposed effort utilizes a new and innovative approach to lightweight pressure devices, based on shape memory alloy hybrid composites. The research during the Phase I program has demonstrated the feasibility of adaptive SMA high-pressure vessels for increased reliability (higher strength and lower thickness) and dimensional stability, and significant reduction in weight. The previous research has also proven the concept of structural intelligence for safety, which could have a significant impact on the development of ultra-light-weight load carrying aircraft structures. Based on the success and achievement of the Phase I research, the Phase II research and development program will conduct an advanced design and optimization of the adaptive SMA high-pressure vessel, fabricate working laboratory models, conduct proof-pressure test, and develop commercial applications.