Multi-Function Fluid Measurement System using High-Definition Fiber Optic Sensing

Propulsion systems require rigorous and highly instrumented testing to enable a comprehensive analysis of performance and to minimize risks associated with space flight. Current testing instrumentation methods can be replaced with embedded sensor systems that are used for monitoring remote, hazardous, or inaccessible locations, while reducing cabling and power consumption. The additional information from the embedded sensor system will enable improved analysis techniques that will accelerate propulsion system developments. Luna proposes to develop a multi-function, drop in, sensor capable of measuring distributed temperature, heat flux, strain, and pressure in metal piping using embedded high-definition fiber optic sensing (HD-FOS). For Phase I, Luna will develop a demonstrator system and structure with an embedded HD-FOS for acquiring multiple physical parameters. The distributed multi-parameter sensor will simultaneously measure multiple physical effects on rocket engine piping and vessels. The HD-FOS has a spatial resolution of 0.65 mm, so thousands of data points can be collected along an optical fiber that can be used to quantify small features on complex test structures depending on the routing of the fiber. The instrumentation is highly flexible for a variety of extreme conditions (e.g. cryogenic) in remote or inaccessible measurement locations. This approach will minimize the wiring associated with multiple independent sensors such as thermocouples and pressure transducers, as well as increase safety benefits inherent in utilizing intrinsically safe sensors in the presence of fuel systems.