Integrated High Temperature Sensors for Advanced Propulsion Materials

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the feasibility of using Acrees high temperature sensor technology on advanced propulsion materials, such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), at temperatures up to 2700 F. Acrees approach is to use a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) as well as an innovative wireless temperature sensor that have been developed and successfully tested at Acree and at Pratt & Whitneys burner rig facility. The sensors are fabricated directly on the gas turbine engine component using direct-write processes. The sensors are low profile (about 50 m thick) and do not disturb gas flow over the engine component and can be integrated into the thermal barrier coating. They are fabricated using proven high-temperature materials with a matching Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) to that of the SiC-based CMC and the thermal barrier coating. In order to demonstrate the reliability, durability and accuracy of the advanced sensor technology, high temperature testing including isothermal, thermomechanical fatigue loads, biaxial tensile torsion, blister tests, atmospheric burner rig and hot vibration tests will be performed, which will bring the technology to at least a TRL 6 level.