Embedded Temperature Sensor Evaluations for Turbomachinery Component Health Monitoring

Current rotorcraft gas turbine engines typically use titanium alloys and steel for the compressor section single-crystal nickel superalloys hot-section stator vanes rotor blades. However, these material selections are rapidly changing due to increased requirements of power-density efficiency. Future U.S. Army will be using ceramic matrix composites many high temperature engine components their low density improved durability in environments. The industry is also actively developing adaptive concept technologies production assembly modular with integrated sensing. In order monitor extended seamless operation reliability, it essential have intelligent embedded sensing health critical engines. Under this Foreign Technology Assessment Support (FTAS) program funded research project, fiber-optic sensors from U.K.-based company, Epsilon Optics Ltd (Fordingbridge, UK)., were experimentally evaluated measure responses on typical turbomachinery component coupons. foreign technology sensor assessed a thermomechanical fatigue tester built-in furnace conduct thermal cycling experiments. experimental results obtained performance fiber Bragg reported paper. This technology, upon maturation higher TRL (technology readiness level), can greatly reduce lifecycle cost future