SUMSENS – Structure-Borne Ultrasonic Multi-Hop Sensor Network for the Temperature Monitoring of Satellites

The mechanical and thermal integrity of spacecraft will be crucial for future space missions lasting months, years, or even longer. Traditionally, wired sensors are used to measure all relevant parameters. SUMSENS offers the integration of a holistic wireless sensor network using the satellite structure itself for communication, in order to provide in-situ monitoring of the mechanical and thermal subsystem status. The SUMSENS sensor network consists of smart temperature sensor nodes, communicating among themselves via structure-borne ultrasonic waves. The core of each sensor node is a microcontroller platform providing all required data operations.
SUMSENS integrates Augmented Reality (AR) to support visual system integration, monitoring and maintenance. The technology can be transferred from space to ground transportation.

Benefits:

Wireless sensor network instead of heavy, space-consuming network infrastructure consisting of cable clutter
Cost reduction due to flexible installation, easy expandability, low energy consumption and reduction of communication traffic
Reliable, fail-safe network architectures
Modularity, allowing flexible installation
High-level structural integration

Fraunhofer LBF
Darmstadt, Germany
Dr Torsten Bartel
www.lbf.fraunhofer.de
torsten.bartel@lbf.fraunhofer.de

Silent Running – Intrinsic Structural Vibration Reduction for Carrier Rockets Using Metamaterials

When launching and flying a rocket, vibrations must be reduced to such an extent that they do not cause damage to the payload and structure. In the “Silent Running” project, MT Aerospace and Fraunhofer LBF are using carbon-fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) with metamaterials, in order to reduce the vibrations that affect on the payload and structure during acceleration. Metamaterials combine the benefits of active and passive vibration reduction and are used, in the automotive industry, amongst others. “Silent Running” specifically targets to minimise vibrations in the upper stages of future Ariane carrier rockets. The innovative vibration dampers should be integrated into the load-bearing structure of the carrier rockets, so that the heavy damping elements conventionally used are no longer required.

Benefits:

Efficient rocket stages and complex payloads with longer service lives by minimising vibrations in the stage structures
Efficient rocket stages and complex payloads with longer service lives by minimising vibrations in the stage structures
Transporting of satellites with effective payloads and thus improved payload/cost ratio per launch
Spin-off into the automotive, aerospace and shipping industries

Fraunhofer LBF
Darmstadt, Germany
Sara Perfetto
www.lbf.fraunhofer.de
sara.perfetto@lbf.fraunhofer.de

Category: 2017/2018