Patent — available for licensing
Shape Sensing Innovations Dramatically Improve Structural Design Tools
A NASA invention available to explore as a licensing opportunity.
About this technology
Overview
Advances in fiber optic shape sensing developed at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center are enabling the development of next-generation flexible aircraft wings that maximize structural efficiency and reduce weight, improving fuel efficiency. These same advances will help engineers design stronger bridges, buildings, ocean vessels, and more. Fast algorithms use distributed fiber optic wavelength data to determine shape deformation of large curved and flexible structures. Dramatically improving upon earlier two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) shape-sensing tools by tracking multiple orientation angles—displacement, twist, and rotation—at the same time, Armstrong's technology converts distributed surface strain data into deformed shapes that can be displayed and analyzed in real time. Developed to help NASA researchers characterize complex test articles and design new aerospace structures, the innovations also will be useful for multiple applications in the transportation, infrastructure, and medical industries.