How much funding can be received?

Fee-for-service reverberant acoustic chambers (small and large) can be used to test full-size aerospace components at high levels of sound pressure field.

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This grant is available to companies located in specific geographical areas determined by the funding body. The facilities mentioned and their operations suggest eligibility is likely defined by relevance to Canadian aerospace industry needs.

Companies and organizations operating within Canada.

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$500,000

Collaboration on developing aerospace hardware testing

$300,000

Research and test profile generation for satellite launch

$320,000

Developing collaborative agreements for aerospace hardware testing

$350,000

Developing acoustic test profiles for aerospace component testing

$300,000

Business partnership for acoustic analysis aerospace sector

$450,000

Qualification testing of spacecraft flight hardware

grant_single_labels|admissibility

The NRC's Aerospace Research Centre offers services and facilities for research, development, and qualification testing of full-scale spacecraft flight hardware, large satellite structures, and other aerospace components in high-intensity acoustic environments. The eligibility criteria for accessing these services typically involve collaboration with the NRC, engaging in research or development projects related to aerospace technologies, and possibly entering into collaborative agreements or consortia work. Specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the nature of the project and the partnership arrangements. For detailed information on eligibility and how to access the NRC's Aerospace Research Centre services, you can contact the Business Development Team at nrc.aerobdt-edaaero.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

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This grant is applicable to entities involved in aerospace research and development, including those specializing in spacecraft hardware qualification, satellite antennae and reflectors testing, and other aerospace structures requiring high-intensity acoustic environments. It is tailored for organizations seeking to reduce R&D risks, overcome product development challenges, enhance component designs, and qualify hardware for launch. Typical applicants include Canadian government departments like the Canadian Space Agency and Department of National Defence, as well as corporations such as MDA Corp and Stelia NA.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant focuses on projects that involve research, development, and testing of aerospace components in high-intensity acoustic environments. These activities are aimed at reducing R&D risks, improving development processes, and qualifying aerospace products for launch.

Research, development, and qualification testing of full-scale spacecraft flight hardware.
Acoustic testing of satellite antennae and reflectors.
Simulation and testing of large aerospace structures under high-intensity acoustic conditions.
Development of test profiles and fixtures for aerospace component testing.
Conducting analytical modeling and acoustic tests tailored to specific conditions.
Collaborative research and business opportunities in the aerospace sector.

grant_single_labels|criteria

- Research relevance and significance - Scientific and technical merit - Feasibility and methodology - Team expertise and experience - Budget appropriateness and justification

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Here are the steps to submit an application for leveraging the NRC's acoustic facilities for aerospace testing and research:

Step 1: Initial Contact and Inquiry
- Reach out to the Business Development Team at the Aerospace Research Centre using the provided contact email: nrc.aerobdt-edaaero.cnrc@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.
- Clarify your testing needs and inquire about the facility's capabilities and availability.
Step 2: Consultation and Needs Assessment
- Discuss your project with NRC experts to determine specific testing requirements and approaches.
- Identify potential collaborative opportunities or bespoke testing solutions.
Step 3: Proposal Development
- Develop a detailed proposal outlining your testing objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes.
- Include necessary details about the aerospace components or equipment to be tested.
Step 4: Submission of Proposal
- Submit your completed proposal along with any supporting documentation to the NRC's business development contacts.
- Ensure all documentation correctly reflects the scope and objectives of your project.
Step 5: Review and Negotiation
- Engage with NRC staff during the review process to address any queries or provide additional information.
- Finalize any agreements or contracts needed to commence the testing process.
Step 6: Confirmation and Scheduling
- Receive confirmation from NRC regarding the acceptance of your proposal.
- Schedule testing dates and logistics in coordination with NRC.

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The NRC's acoustic testing facilities offer several beneficial features for grant applicants:

The facilities are unique and specialized in Canada, providing an opportunity for projects that require testing at high sound pressure levels, simulating real-world aerospace conditions.
ISO 9001 registration assures high-quality test results, which is valuable for projects requiring stringent quality assurance and control.
The testing facility supports a wide scope of aerospace and defense sectors, making it versatile for various component testing requirements.
The NRC team can assist in various stages of product development, from the design of experiments to data analysis and interpretation, providing substantial support to grant-funded projects.
High-intensity noise testing can help in qualifying hardware for launch, potentially reducing R&D risks and improving product design.

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NRC — Reverberant Acoustic Chamber - Research Facility

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A Pivotal Resource for Aerospace Research and Development

The National Research Council (NRC) of Canada's specialized reverberant acoustic chamber provides invaluable support for testing full-scale aerospace components under high-intensity noise conditions. This facility facilitates the advancement of research and development by helping industry leaders mitigate risks, enhance product designs, and meet stringent aerospace qualifications.

In-Depth Exploration of NRC's Acoustic Testing Facilities

Located within the NRC's Aerospace Research Centre, the reverberant acoustic chamber distinguishes itself as a leading-edge facility in Canada, dedicated to the high-intensity noise testing of aerospace components. This centre is committed to supporting the R&D endeavors of prominent industry giants like MDA Corp, Stelia NA, and national bodies such as the Canadian Space Agency and the Department of National Defence. It serves as a critical asset in reducing developmental risks and overcoming technical challenges associated with aerospace innovations.

This state-of-the-art facility, registered under the ISO 9001 quality management system, encompasses two distinct reverberation chambers. The smaller chamber, measuring 4.6 m × 4.6 m × 3.1 m, achieves impressive sound pressures exceeding 120 dB, while the larger chamber, spanning 6.9 m × 9.75 m × 7.98 m, can produce sound pressure levels up to 158 dB. These chambers operate through the utilization of Wyle WAS3000 airstream modulators and gas jets, powered by dry compressed air, to emulate the acoustic environments typical of space shuttles, rocket launches, and other high-intensity scenarios.

A unique feature of the facility is its advanced closed-loop controller system, designed to meticulously analyze and modify noise levels to ensure precise spectrum shaping between the frequencies of 25 Hz and 20,000 Hz. This capability allows the facility to match noise specifications required for various aerospace applications accurately. The comprehensive acoustic environments created within these chambers are critical for the rigorous testing and qualification of spacecraft flight hardware and other large aerospace structures under acoustically challenging conditions.

Adding to its capability, the facility includes a high bay preparation area, constructed as a clean room with strict humidity and temperature control. This feature is essential for maintaining the integrity of the test articles, complemented by the availability of heavy-duty lifting equipment. The facility is equipped with several cranes like the 7,000 kg DEMAG overhead crane, 7,500 kg MUNCK overhead crane, and 6300 kg ASEA overhead crane, alongside a 30,000 lbs capacity forklift, facilitating the maneuvering of large test articles.

The NRC's prowess is further accentuated by the expertise of its dedicated research team, which provides end-to-end support ranging from experiment design through to detailed report generation. They ensure tailored testing protocols are developed, serving the bespoke needs of each client while also providing insights and analysis critical for interpretation of test results. The facility not only plays a strategic role in research and business collaboration but also acts as a catalyst for potential consortia or partnerships by offering comprehensive testing profiles, analytical modeling, and the development of test fixtures.

The NRC's reverberant acoustic chamber is thus an indispensable tool for advancing aerospace technology. It not only nurtures the evolution of safer and more efficient aerospace components but also ties its operational success to Canada's broader space exploration and defense initiatives. This commitment reinforces the NRC's integral role in enabling cutting-edge research while sustaining its reputation for exceeding the expectations of a discerning clientele within the aerospace field.