Glenn High School Capstones
Acoustic Damping
NASA Glenn Research Center is always looking for dynamic new ways to connect students with the mission content of the Agency. The Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) has an interest in providing high school students with opportunities which they can pursue research in support of capstone projects based upon real NASA science and engineering mission content.
Acoustic Damping
Engineers in the Acoustics Branch at NASA Glenn know that noise is not just a nuisance. Cities need vibrant airports to enable local businesses to thrive, to join the global marketplace, and to draw the world to their doorstep. But as airport traffic increases, cities are faced with tough choices pitting the health and quality of life of thousands of residents living near airports against the greater good of their region’s economy.
Imagine what it would be like if we could keep aircraft noise down at the airport. That’s exactly what we have in mind at NASA Glenn. Rather than finding ways to live with noise, we’re conducting the research needed to understand the underlying physics that enables engineers to develop quieter airplanes. Innovators at NASA’s Glenn and Langley Research Centers are teaming to develop a compact, lightweight acoustic liner based on oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials.
Capstone Summary
For this capstone, students will develop acoustic liners with various shapes and patterns to test which design is the most effective at absorbing sound. Acoustic liners are typically placed in front of the turbo blades of a jet engine to absorb the noise generated by the engine. Students will use an additive manufacturing process to replicate their designs and student designs will be tested in a student built acoustic impedance tube that will serve as the test rig for this capstone. Acoustic materials must be designed so that air can pass through the material.
Test Rig Components and Specifications
The impedance tube test rig will require a PVC Impedance Tube (Minimum 2-inch diameter with brass termination end), audio speaker, audio Amplifier, Function Wave Generator, High Precision Microphone, Oscilloscope, Data Acquisition Capabilities
Key Dates
- August 4, 2023 – Applications for the 2023-24 school year are open
- September 22, 2023 – Fall application deadline, applications are due.
- September 29, 2023 – Schools notified of fall application results
- October 16, 2022, 9:00 a.m. –2:00 p.m. – Educator Professional Development (on-site and/or virtual)
- October 23, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Virtual Kick-Off with NASA Subject Matter Expert(s)
- January 5, 2024 – Winter application deadline, applications are due
- January 12, 2024 – Schools notified of winter application results
- February 5, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Virtual Subject Matter Expert Connection
- April 22, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Capstone Culminating Event including student design presentations and corresponding lab tour on-site at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Participating schools unable to attend and/or outside the region will have an opportunity to present virtually.
2023 – 2024 Application Process
To apply please complete both the NASA Gateway application and the Supplemental application form as follows:
To access the 2023 – 2024 NASA Gateway application, please click here.
To access the 2023 – 2024 Supplemental application form, please click here
After downloading and completing the Supplemental Application Form, please save it and upload the completed form as an attachment as part of the NASA STEM Gateway application. Both application forms must be completed to be considered for this opportunity.
Contact Information
Gerald Voltz
Education Program Specialist
Email: GRC-Ed-Opportunities@mail.nasa.gov
Phone: (216) 433-6656