N101-013 TITLE: Low Cost, Dual Purpose Engine Control and Diagnostic Sensors

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: JSF-Prop; PMA-261, H-53; Prognostic Diagnostic Based Maintenance (PDBM)

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Develop and demonstrate low cost sensor capable of performing engine control and engine diagnostic functions using state-of-the-art mechanical and electronic technology.

DESCRIPTION: Develop and demonstrate sensors with characteristics acceptable for the dual purpose of control and diagnostics of engine sub-systems. Engine sub-systems include but are not limited to the compressor section, turbine section, fuel, lube, oil, and ignition systems as well as gearboxes and bearings. The sensors should have a combined weight equal to or less than current engine control and diagnostic sensor suites and have at least a 25 percent cost reduction compared to current engine control and diagnostic sensors. The sensors have to be reliable and survive the temperature and vibration levels typical of the location at which the measurement is being performed. Utilize the IEEE 1451.4 Standard for Smart Sensors and Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS). The sensors should also make use of micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) technology to the fullest extent possible.

State-of-the-art controls act on sensed engine parameters which provide measurements at fixed time intervals. All signals travel through a dedicated path requiring signal loss to be substituted with an identical signal. Current control systems lack any meaningful integration with engine prognostics systems. The need for greater reliability and reduced operating costs requires greater integration and in-situ evaluation of the engine data through innovative concepts for multi-layered, self-calibrating and self-diagnosing sensors suite.

PHASE I: Determine the feasibility of providing dependable, robust, and affordable dual purpose sensors.

PHASE II: Develop and demonstrate a prototype of the concept designed in Phase I. Provide the architecture, sensor suite, wiring harnesses, and algorithms required to perform engine control and diagnostic sensing. Demonstrate the prototype's ability to detect faults and provide high fidelity information necessary for engine control. Demonstrate the systems capability to maximize Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) functionality while meeting stated requirements.

PHASE III: Demonstrate the system on-board an aircraft with flight qualified hardware and software. Incorporate the technology with appropriate production aircraft and determine the system’s compatibility with legacy and future applications.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: A light weight and affordable means of providing both engine control and propulsion diagnostic sensing could have far reaching potential within commercial aviation.

REFERENCES:
1. Schwabacher, Mark A., "A Survey of Data-Driven Prognostics", http://ti.arc.nasa.gov/m/profile/schwabac/AIAA-39300-874.pdf

2. Behbahani, Alireza R., "Need For Robust Sensors For Inherently Fail-Safe Gas Turbine Engine Controls, Monitoring and Prognostics", http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA467099&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

3. IEEE 1451.4 Standard for Smart Transducers; http://standards.ieee.org/regauth/1451/Tutorials.html

KEYWORDS: Diagnostics; Prognostics; Sensors; PHM; Vibration; Reliability

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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