Wireless Passive Nanoparticle based Intelligent Sensor System for Extreme Environments

Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc. proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of a wireless, passive, nanoparticle-based sensor system. The sensor in its current form can be used to measure real time temperatures and pressures wirelessly without the need of an external energy source. It should be noted that the same sensing principle can be used for strain monitoring as well. It comprises of a microwave-resonator-based sensor, a microwave transceiver, and a custom-made antenna. The microwave-resonator-based sensors uses a dielectric resonator structure, a low-profile reflective patch temperature sensor, and a pressure sensor based on evanescent-mode resonator structure. These sensors are made of high-temperature-stable and corrosion-resistant ceramic materials which are suitable for extreme-environment applications. The use of nanoparticles can further reduce the size of the sensor enabling deployment in current hard-to-access areas.This approach will enable not only surface measurements of pressure and temperature but also provide in-flow measurements of gas path flows at cryogenic and high temperature environments. In-flow measurements within the metal piping of the fluid systems helps provide a dynamic and real time analysis of the operations of the system. Besides, the embedded sensor helps in keeping the structural integrity of the component intact since it’s installation doesn’t require machining pathways as is needed for traditional sensor cables.The proposed innovation will specifically provide the following benefits for propulsion system test, development & flight applications:Reduced cabling costs/timeReduced auxiliary power requirementsReduced weight penalties/operational costs associated with cabling and auxiliary power componentsRemote, real-time monitoring of component healthFlexible application due to low profile of sensorExtreme environment measurement & survivability