Bodkin Design & Engineering, LLC (BD&E) has been awarded a $125,000 SBIR contract by NASA to develop a surface temperature mapping system for re-entry vehicle heat shields. The unique system will provide unprecedented temperature accuracy during ground tests. Unlike simple thermal imaging, BD&E’s design uses hyperspectral imaging to greatly increase accuracy.
BD&E has previously developed a Precision Surface Temperature Mapping System (PSTMS) to perform stand-off measurements of laser-heated targets. Under this contract, the system will be adapted to satisfy the needs of NASA’s ground test facilities. The sensor is capable of stand-off measurement at ranges up to 100 meters, spanning temperatures from 300K to 2,000K, with high spatial, thermal, and temporal resolution. The system provides a unique dynamic analysis capability, generating up to 100 maps per second.
This innovative system is different from a simple broadband thermal imager. Its built-in hyperspectral measurement capability allows for calculation of surface temperature and emissivity, during melting. This provides the emissivity of the surface as it dynamically changes with temperature.
This project is funded by the Small Business Innovation Research program (SBIR), a program established by the Small Business Administration Office to ensure that the nation’s small, high-tech, innovative businesses are a significant part of the federal government’s research and development efforts.
Bodkin Design and Engineering, LLC
www.bodkindesign.com
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