Nasa Collectibles

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Tag system: sensors shape, NASA, fiber optic sensors
The system Ikhana drone was used by NASA last year to fight against forest fires from the sky and this month to provide images of forest fires in California over to the authorities (link to NASA images). But Ikhana is also used to evaluate the detection technology installed on its wings to improve its efficiency. The new sensors that integrate technology fiber optic sensors, are located side by side with traditional sensors. As stated by one researcher at NASA, "there are 3000 sensors Ikhana imperceptibly small because they are located on fibers approximately the diameter of a human hair. But read more ... The sensors are so small they are almost invisible. "Although new sensors on the Ikhana, which are located on fibers that are the diameter of a human hair, are not visible, the sealant used to apply them can be seen in this view from above the wing ". (Credit: NASA photo by Tony Landis) Here are two links to a larger version of this image and a collection of photos Ikhana.
How these fiber optic sensors could improve the efficiency of aircraft? "The weight reduction that fiber optic sensors could help reduce operating costs and improve energy efficiency. The development also opens up new possibilities and applications that are not achievable with conventional technology. For example, new sensors could enable adaptive control wing shape. "Active wing shape control represents the gleam in the eyes of every aerodynamicist," [said Lance Richards, Dryden's Advanced Structures and Measurement group lead. ° 'If the shape of the wing can be changed in flight, then the efficiency and performance of the aircraft can be improved, from takeoff and landing to cruising and maneuvering. "
And where are located these new sensors? Six hair-like fibers located on the upper surface of wings Ikhana provide measurements of more than 2,000 real-time deformation. With a combined weight of less than two pounds, the fibers are so small they have no effects significant aerodynamics. The sensors could eventually be integrated into composite wings in future aircraft. To validate the accuracy of new sensors, the research team is to compare the results obtained with fiber optic sensors in the form of wing against those of 16 traditional strain gauges co-located on the wing alongside the new sensors. "
These systems fiber optic sensor can also improve safety. "Another benefit to the security of the fiber optic light sensors that thousands of sensors can be left on the aircraft during its lifetime, gathering data on structural health and performance. Knowing the level of Stress thousands of locations on the aircraft, designers can more optimally design structures and reduce weight while maintaining safety, "said Richards. The net result could be a reduction in fuel costs and increased range. In addition, the intelligent technology of flight control software being developed can incorporate structural monitoring data from fiber optic sensors to compensate for the stresses on the airframe, helping prevent situations that could result in loss of flight control. "
For more information about this unmanned aircraft, please visit the homepage Ikhana at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. And for more information on fiber optic sensor system installed on wing shape Ikhana, here's a link to a news release from Dryden, "Measuring the gold standard."