SBIR Phase I: A Device for Measuring Electric Field Strength from Dropsondes and Radiosondes

这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目评估了制造一个模块的可行性，该模块可以测量飞机在雷暴和飓风中掉落的电场强度。电场强度是雷暴中闪电发展和微物理粒子发展的重要因素，最近的研究表明，电场强度甚至可能影响降水的强度。研究飞机测量电场强度是困难的，而且有潜在的危险，因为与雷暴有关的危险条件，如闪电、冰雹和湍流。可投放的设备，如在雷暴上空飞行的飞机上释放的投放式探空仪，以及由气球携带的设备，如普通的气象无线电探空仪，可用于安全且经济有效地探测雷暴。目前还没有商用设备可用于测量来自无线电探空仪或下落探空仪的电场强度。第一阶段的研究通过学生在勤工俭学项目中的就业，呈现出巨大的商业潜力和机会，产生更广泛的影响。提高对破坏性雷暴和飓风的了解，以及更好地了解威胁商用飞机的闪电放电，会带来重大的潜在社会效益。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project evaluates the feasibility of fabricating a module to measure electric field strength that can be dropped from an aircraft through thunderstorms and hurricanes. Electric field strength is a significant factor in the development of lightning and microphysical particle development in thunderstorms, and recent research suggests that it may even play a role influencing the intensity of precipitation. Research aircraft measurements of electric field strength are difficult and potentially dangerous because of the hazardous conditions associated with thunderstorms, such as lightning, hail and turbulence. Droppable devices, such as dropsondes released from aircraft flying over thunderstorms, and devices carried aloft by balloons, such as common weather radiosondes, can be used to probe thunderstorms safely and cost-effectively. There is currently no commercial device available for measuring electric field strength from radiosondes or dropsondes. This research in Phases I presents significant commercial potential and opportunities for Broader Impacts through employment of students in work study programs. There are significant potential societal benefits from improved understanding of damaging thunderstorms and hurricanes, and a better understanding of lightning discharges that threaten commercial aircrafts.