Sensor Durability Validation for Turbine Engine Blade Health Measurement

ABSTRACT: Many turbomachinery applications have achieved improved availability, reliability and cost savings by incorporating health monitoring systems to determine the mechanical condition of key components in near real time. The goals of any health monitoring system are to ensure reliability by avoiding unplanned maintenance, to reduce operating costs by providing the information needed to plan repairs well in advance, and to improve safety by acquiring the data needed to monitor critical components. For health monitoring of turbine engine blades, blade tip clearance and vibration measurements are two of the most challenging tasks. Although blade tip measurement technology is constantly evolving, there is still an urgent need for accurate robust sensors that can survive the harsh environment of an advanced military engine. The goal for this project is to improve the state-of-the-art in health sensing technology for turbine blades. The objectives are to improve the durability of Mechanical Solution, Inc.’s (MSI) microwave sensor, provide a realistic turbine engine environment in the laboratory, and validate the improved sensor. The Propulsion Instrumentation Working Group (PIWG) will be acting as an advisor for this project.; BENEFIT: This proposal describes the development of sensor technology that will be transitioned into Air Force Life Cycle Management Center programs. Advanced measurement systems support the objectives of the Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engine (VAATE) program, adaptive cycle development, and emerging monitoring and prognostic health management systems. The initial steps at transition will be taken during this project, and will be fully in place by the end of the project.