TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: System for In-situ Defect Detection in Composites During Cure (LAR-TOPS-327)

NASA’s Technology Transfer Program solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Innovators at the NASA Langley Research Center, in collaboration with Analytical Mechanics Associates, have developed an automated ultrasonic scanning system for in-situ cure monitoring and defect detection of composites in an autoclave or an oven. This non-destructive evaluation system is based on an ultrasonic contact scanner enclosed in an insulated vessel placed inside of the autoclave. The system actively scans for any defects that may form in composites during the cure process and tracks movement of defects originating during layup or cure. Typically, non-destructive evaluation of composites, by ultrasound or other means, is conducted either before or after the cure process, but many defects vanish and form during cure. NASA's in-situ cure monitoring system, by contrast, provides real-time monitoring of defect formation and movement during cure. This not only offers a better understanding of defect sources and sinks, but also the ability to more accurately validate process models for the prediction of cure process defects. To express interest in this opportunity, please submit a license application through NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LAR-TOPS-327 If you have any questions, please e-mail NASA’s Technology Transfer Program at [email protected] with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this beta.SAM.gov notice and your preferred contact information. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at https://technology.nasa.gov/ These responses are provided to members of NASA’s Technology Transfer Program for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.