Self-mixing Optical Sensor for Measurement of Blade Vibrations and Tip Clearances
Navy SBIR FY2015.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.2
Topic No.: N152-095
Topic Title: Self-mixing Optical Sensor for Measurement of Blade Vibrations and Tip Clearances
Proposal No.: N152-095-0080
Firm: Physical Optics Corporation
1845 West 205th Street
Torrance, California 90501
Contact: Naibing Ma
Phone: (310) 320-3088
Web Site: www.poc.com
Abstract: To address the Navy�s need for ultrahigh temperature (UHT) sensors for gas turbine engine applications, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Self-mixing Optical Sensor (SOS) for measurement of blade vibrations and tip clearances. This proposed solution is based on a sensing probe fabricated of UHT-resistant ceramics supplemented by POC�s proprietary self-mixing interferometry (SMI) technology. Specifically, the innovation in use of p-SiAlCN ceramics and SMI will enable the SOS to survive UHT environments for nonintrusive measurements. The probe will incorporate a replaceable sapphire window, protecting it from oil or debris contamination while withstanding UHTs and high pressures. As a result, this sensor offers high-temperature operation >2500 deg F. The probe will be
Benefits: Military applications of the SOS technology will include blade health monitoring for gas turbine engines. With its capability for ultrahigh-temperature operation in the austere environment of gas turbine engines, the proposed SOS system will be able to identify and report airfoil high-cycle fatigue (HCF) and foreign or domestic object damage (FOD or DOD) in real time. The SOS can be incorporated into future gas turbine engines for real-time tip-clearance active control, thus to improve fuel efficiency, minimize leakage flow, and shorten engine development time. The capability to measure turbine blade clearance and vibrations in-situ and in real-time will help improve engine designs for longer service life and minimize casualties caused by engine failures. The SOS can be incorporated by the U.S. Navy into the Joint Strike Fighter Program for blade health monitoring of F-35 engines. Pratt and Whitney and Boeing have expressed interest in this technology and will have more involvement in the Phase II development, including transition of the SOS technology to their military engines. The Army, Air Force, and NASA will also benefit from this technology for blade health monitoring of engines used in their jets. Successful development of SOS technology will also benefit commercial sectors for blade health monitoring of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft gas turbine engines. Potential customers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, and Sikorsky etc. Through minor modifications, SOS can also be used for health monitoring of wind turbines.

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