In this Phase I SBIR, a team consisting of Fiber Innovations, Inc. (FII) and the University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials propose to develop innovative braided multifunctional fiber-optic ribbons and preforms for integration into composite rocket motor casings for missile applications. The use of braiding allows the integration of fiber optics as a ribbon, overwrap or as part of the casing itself. In addition, multiple fiber-optic cables can be braided together creating a high degree of redundancy and a highly reliable network, such that damage to one optical fiber does not disrupt communication. The fiber optics will be used for communication as well as sensors using multi-axis gratings. Multi-axis gratings in fiber optics can be used to sense strain, temperature, humidity etc. This enables the optical communications system to also perform the task of health monitoring of the motor casing. The combination of braiding and multifunctional fiber optics will create a low cost, high bandwidth solution for reliable optical networking between the fore and aft ends of the missile casing. In Phase I of this program, the FII-led team will demonstrate braided configurations with fiber optics, including flat ribbon cable, braided overwrap and a braided cylinder. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: Specific objectives for Phase I are: · Develop braiding methodologies and geometries for ribbon, overwrap or integrated cylinder configurations and integrate into sub-scale composite motor casing (cylinders). · Demonstrate high-bandwidth communication capability, redundancy and reliability · Demonstrate feasibility of multi-functional capability for communications and health monitoring. · Demonstrate affordability, ease of fabrication and scale-up.
Keywords: Fiber Optics, Composite, Missile avionics , Braiding, Communication Ribbon, Thaad, Health monitoring
