Fiber Optic CMC Health Monitoring System

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop a fiber optic ceramic matrix composite health monitoring system that can provide real-time diagnostics and system health prognoses for operating engine and other high temperature systems. Passive fiber optic sensors collect thermal radiation that is amplified using an innovative optical fiber laser amplifier to diagnose composite defects. The fiber laser amplifier enables sensors to be polled serially to minimize overall system topology and minimize the cost and expertise required to interface the system to onboard avionics. This Phase I SBIR will develop and demonstrate a fiber optic ceramic matrix composite health monitoring system that 1) Operates at gas turbine exhaust temperatures (800 to 2400 deg F). 2) Detects surface erosion and delaminations within ceramic matrix composite materials at operating temperature. 3) Can be used to develop a prognosis for component maintenance. We will design and fabricate a fiber optic health monitoring demonstrator for high temperature ceramic matrix composites. We will also demonstrate that passive fiber optic sensors can detect material defects that could threaten system health and that a fiber optic health monitoring system can be designed for critical components in advanced aeronautical systems like the Joint Strike Fighter.