Glenn High School Capstones
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
- June 7, 2024 – Applications for the 2024 – 2025 school year are open.
- September 20, 2024 – Fall application deadline, applications are due.
- September 27, 2024– Schools notified of fall application results.
- October 21, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Workshop (onsite or virtual).
- October 28, 2024, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Virtual Kickoff with NASA Subject Matter Experts.
- January 3, 2025 – Winter application deadline, applications are due.
- January 10, 2025 – Schools notified of winter application results.
- February 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Virtual Midpoint Subject Matter Expert Review.
- April 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Hybrid Capstone Culminating Event including student design presentations and facilities tours for onsite participants.
2024 – 2025 Application Process
To apply please complete both the NASA Gateway application and the Supplemental application form as follows:
To access the 2024 – 2025 NASA Gateway application, please click here.
To access the 2024 – 2025 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