Sandia National Labs FY20 LDRD Annual Report

FY20 ANNUAL REPORT

Miniature accelerometers with sub-microsecond timescales for characterization of structural dynamics. Looking to greatly improve ground-based or in-situ testing of weapon components or other systems, Sandia researchers developed highly miniaturized, solid-state accelerometers that can measure significantly higher vibration frequencies and displacements far more accurately than current technologies, by using nano-optomechanical systems. This technology results in devices

that are almost 6X smaller than typical accelerometers and use laser interferometry to test over the full range of operation. The new vibrometers were tested in a hypersonic wind tunnel as well as a shock tube, yielding promising results, with plans to test at higher frequencies in pulsed power facilities. (PI: Katya Casper)

The uniaxial high-frequency accelerometer provided 100X higher response in shock tube testing in comparison to a traditional sensor.

With its hypersonic wind tunnel and advanced laser diagnostic

technology, Sandia is in an excellent position to help U.S. defense agencies understand the physics associated with aircraft flying five times the speed of

sound. “The physics are enormously difficult at hypersonic speed,” said Sandia aerospace engineer Steven Beresh. (Photo by Randy Montoya)

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LABORATORY DIRECTED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT