High-Temperature, Wireless, Passive, Multicode Sensor System for Rotorcraft Applications

This project will demonstrate the feasibility of using an array of wireless, passive, microwave acoustic sensors and accompanying interrogator system to monitor temperature and pressure in harsh environments encountered within a turboshaft rotorcraft engine. The proposed sensor technology is based on langasite piezoelectric crystals and stable nanostructured thin film electrodes, and will enable routine in situ diagnostics that will help improve readiness levels and control maintenance costs. The sensor system targets wireless operation up to 1000°C using lightweight microwave acoustic devices, which operate solely under the energy provided by the radio frequency interrogating signal, without the need for batteries or any further maintenance. These passive sensor devices offer the added capability of multiple-access, leading to the sampling of multiple sensors by a single interrogation unit. The signal processing takes place outside the harsh environment area, thus allowing for higher processing capability and reliability. The operation at high temperature relies on patented technology developed at the University of Maine and licensed to Environetix Technologies Corporation for further product development and commercialization. The proposed product is expected to respond not only to the DoD needs, but also to be extended to aerospace, power, automotive, and industrial process control applications.