Dual Optical Dust Sensor for Engine Protection and Early Warning

This proposal will develop a miniature, rugged complementary dual optical dust sensor (DODS) for continuous detection and monitoring at multiple engine locations at moderate temperature (to 400 F) and high flow (to 10,000 SCFM). In situ detection of dusts and particulates is critical for maintaining the health and effectiveness of military vehicles operating in high dust and sand environments for extended periods. Lack of detection leads to premature wear, increased maintenance time, cost and failure of engine components. DODS will have the sensitivity and dynamic range to detect a single 1 micron dust particle up to 100,000 particles per cubic foot or more, and will quantify particle size distributions between 1 and 200 microns to help diagnose root causes for dust ingestion (air filter failure or engine seal failure). The sensor may be mounted flush or inline in multiple engine locations and environments. In Phase I, a breadboard sensor will be designed and characterized to refine the sensor performance, placement and packaging requirements. In Phase II, a prototype dual optical sensor will be built, integrated in an engine test bed and tested in a simulated operational environment at TRL 5 and ready for operational assessment.