Integrated Fiber-Optic Sensor Reliability Modeling and Analysis Tools for Thermal and Power Management Systems for Gas Turbine Engines

Addressing a key technology gap in deployment of fiber-optic sensor networks, IFOS and multidisciplinary collaborators are developing an integrated fiber-optic component reliability modeling software toolkit. The RelOptics toolkits analytical engine is based upon predictive failure models developed for the first time in aerospace industry via rigorous environmental testing of optical fiber splices and bends, and optical connectors. The RelOptics toolkit will empower propulsion system sensing and control network engineers to enhance design and deployment for reliability. This enables full exploitation of fiber-optic sensor network advantages: multiplexability, cybersecurity, and low size, weight and power. Following identification of failure modes in Phase I using representative gas turbine engine sensor network, in Phase II the IFOS team will perform individual component testing to generate novel predictive failure models to power the RelOptics toolkit. IFOS is leveraging its deep experience in fiber-optic sensor network development for demanding environments deployment, and participation in industry standardization activities. The design and deployment best practices developed during the program will be validated in the thermal uprating and ruggedization of IFOS optical sensor systems including interrogators to support harsh environment applications.