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The oscillatory behavior can lead to seal wear, increased leakage, and the generation of foreign object debris (FOD), which is particularly problematic in high-reliability systems like spacecraft or cryogenic propulsion. The valve integrates a magnetic damping system into a conventional check valve architecture. Key components include a non-magnetic, electrically conductive poppet body (e.g., copper), a ferromagnetic sleeve (e.g., HIPERCO 50A) inside the poppet, and a set of Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB) magnetized rings arranged in alternating polarities around a non-magnetic valve body. A second ferromagnetic sleeve completes the magnetic circuit, concentrating magnetic flux through the poppet during motion. When the valve operates, the poppet moves in response to pressure differentials. As it travels through the magnetic field, eddy currents are induced in the conductive poppet body. These currents generate a magnetic field that opposes the motion of the poppet, providing velocity-proportional damping based on Lenz’s Law. This passive damping mechanism prevents oscillation and chatter without relying on fluid viscosity or mechanical contact, enabling smooth, reliable valve operation across a wide range of flow conditions. The system is tuned to achieve critical damping by balancing magnetic flux, poppet mass, and spring rate. This innovation offers significant advantages. In aerospace applications, the valve can be used in purge systems or cryogenic fluid lines to eliminate chatter, improving valve longevity and reducing FOD risk. In the oil and gas industry, it can enhance safety and reliability in high-pressure systems where valve failure could be catastrophic. Industrial processing systems benefit from reduced maintenance and improved flow stability. The valve’s passive, wear-free damping also lowers lifecycle costs and simplifies design integration, making it attractive for commercial licensing and deployment across multiple sectors. This technology is TRL 3 and is currently available for licensing.

This technology is part of Armstrong's portfolio of fiber optic sensing technologies known as FOSS. The innovation leverages Armstrong's cutting edge work in this area, including its patented FBG interrogation system, which allows for a diverse set of engineering measurements in a single compact system. In addition to magnetic field, other measurements include structural shape and buckling modes, external loads, and cryogenic liquid level. The system and measurement technology is commercially available for research applications. In addition to capitalizing on the significant advancements in fiber optic and laser technologies that have been made to support the telecommunications industry, Armstrong has also partnered with UCLA's Active Materials Lab (AML) to tap their expertise in the field of magnetics. <b><i>For more information about the full portfolio of FOSS technologies, see DRC-TOPS-37 or visit&nbsp;<a href=https://technology-afrc.ndc.nasa.gov/featurestory/fiber-optic-sensing>https://technology-afrc.ndc.nasa.gov/featurestory/fiber-optic-sensing</a></b></i>