High-temperature high-bandwidth fiber optic MEMS pressure-sensor technology for turbine-engine component testing

Wade J. Pulliam; Patrick M. Russler; Robert S. Fielder

doi:10.1117/12.456079

14 February 2002 High-temperature high-bandwidth fiber optic MEMS pressure-sensor technology for turbine engine component testing

Wade J. Pulliam, Patrick M. Russler, Robert S. Fielder

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 4578, Fiber Optic Sensor Technology and Applications 2001; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.456079
Event: Environmental and Industrial Sensing, 2001, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

Acquiring accurate, transient measurements in harsh environments has always pushed the limits of available measurement technology. Until recently, the technology to directly measure certain properties in extremely high temperature environments has not existed. Advancements in optical measurement technology have led to the development of measurement techniques for pressure, temperature, acceleration, skin friction, etc. using extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometry (EFPI). The basic operating principle behind EFPI enables the development of sensors that can operate in the harsh conditions associated with turbine engines, high-speed combustors, and other aerospace propulsion applications where the flow environment is dominated by high frequency pressure and temperature variations caused by combustion instabilities, blade-row interactions, and unsteady aerodynamic phenomena. Using micromachining technology, these sensors are quite small and therefore ideal for applications where restricted space or minimal measurement interference is a consideration. In order to help demonstrate the general functionality of this measurement technology, sensors and signal processing electronics currently under development by Luna Innovations were used to acquire point measurements during testing of a transonic fan in the Compressor Research Facility (CRF) at the Turbine Engine Research Center (TERC), WPAFB. Acquiring pressure measurements at the surface of the casing wall provides data that are useful in understanding the effects of pressure fluctuations on the operation and lifetime wear of a fan. This measurement technique is useful in both test rig applications and in operating engines where lifetime wear characterization is important. The measurements acquired during this test also assisted in the continuing development of this technology for higher temperature environments by providing proof-of-concept data for sensors based on advanced microfabrication and optical techniques.

Citation Download Citation

Wade J. Pulliam, Patrick M. Russler, and Robert S. Fielder "High-temperature high-bandwidth fiber optic MEMS pressure-sensor technology for turbine engine component testing", Proc. SPIE 4578, Fiber Optic Sensor Technology and Applications 2001, (14 February 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.456079

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