Technology Opportunity Showcase

Technology Opportunity Showcase highlights some unnique technologies that NASA has developed and which we believe have strong potential for commercial application. While the descriptions provided here are brief, they should provide enough information to communicate the potential applications of the technology. For more detailed information, contact the person listed. Please mention that you read about it in Innovation.

Miniature Broadband Light Source

NASA Glenn Research Center, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Lighting Innovations Institute are seeking potential users and developers of a miniature broadband microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) light source. This optical source is expected to provide up to 250 mw of optical power over a 500- to 900-nm wavelength region. This MEMS light source has a planar geometry that can be easily integrated with fiber optics and silicon-based drive electronics. It requires less electrical input power than most commercial light sources and is small, rugged and lightweight. Those characteristics are attractive for aeronautic and space applications. Other benefits of the device include its increased reliability, reduced heat generation and stable spectral output. Potential commercial uses include use as an aeropropulsion light source for optical sensors, as a calibration source for spectrometers, as a light source for space sensors and lighting, as display lighting and as a component for an addressable array. Industries where this product can be applied include aeronautics, space, military vehicles and automobiles.

For more information, contact Margaret L. Tuma, Ph.D., at Glenn Research Center 216/433-8665, margaret.l.tuma@grc.nasa.gov Please mention you read about it in Innovation.

 

Revolutionary Low-Cost Joints

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center is seeking companies to license and/or jointly develop innovative technologies that combine the benefits of, and improve upon, bolted and welded joints. These low-cost technologies use a thermal element to seal, bond, braze and/or weld static joints. Joints fabricated with these technologies can be permanently assembled with minimal process variability, may be disassembled for service, and do not degrade over time. The technologies are based on a thermally or electrically conductive substrate that is positioned in a joint under preload. The substrate may be coated with adhesives, thermoplastics, epoxies or braze alloys that melt when heated by the conductive substrate to complete the joint.

Primary benefits of the technology include low cost, improved process control, easy disassembly, no fumes and reduced surface finish requirements. Additional benefits include thinner joints for reduced relaxation problems, ease of use, fast melting and curing, and low ignition risk. These technologies can be used in a wide variety of static sealing applications for bolted, bonded, brazed and welded joints. Potential commercial applications include hazardous fluid and other industrial piping joints, marine engine and transmission housing joints, automotive cooling system housing joints and sealed electrical housings.

For more information, contact Benita C. Hayes at Marshall Space Flight Center 256/544-9276, Benita.C.Hayes@msfc.nasa.gov Please mention you read about it in Innovation.

 

Microresonant Igniters

The Combustion Branch of the NASA Glenn Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio, is interested in partnering opportunities for the development of microcombustion systems. Formal partnering arrangements would be made through NASA Space Act agreements.

Microresonant igniters are considered to be reliable, inexpensive and could be part of a lightweight ignition system requiring multiple ignition sources. They have no moving parts and require no electrical excitation. Therefore, they would be especially appropriate in systems where electromagnetic interference (EMI) is an issue. Microresonant igniters could also be considered for a micropropulsion device ignition system. Their use is restricted to relatively low molecular weight working fluids (i.e., hydrogen or methane). In a resonant ignition system, the flow from a sonic orifice is directed into a tube. The flow creates a pattern of strong acoustic waves in the tube, which results in a significant temperature rise in the working fluid. If the heat loss from the tube is minimized, this temperature rise is sufficient to initiate combustion for some propellant combinations.

The goal of current research is to demonstrate ignition in a device with a footprint measuring approximately one square centimeter. The device’s geometry can be reproduced photolithographically. Both computational and experimental approaches are being pursued to optimize the resonator geometry.

For more information, contact Kevin Breisacher at Glenn Research Center 216/977-7475, Kevin.J.Breisacher@grc.nasa.gov Please mention you read about it in Innovation.