Innovative Concepts for Wireless Strain Sensing in Turbine Engines

MesoScribe Technologies proposes the development of a passive wireless strain system based on the Company's innovative Direct Write technology. Embedded circuit elements will be fabricated directly onto the surfaces of compressor blades and stator vanes. The sensors themselves will be very low weight and low profile. A strictly passive strain monitoring configuration is proposed where a resonant circuit on the rotating blade relays information to an appropriately equipped stationary vane, which will serve to interrogate the rotating blade through magnetic coupling. Considerations include compensation for dielectric constant and temperature coefficient of resistance using multiple orientations for strain sensors to accommodate and monitor strain in various locations. Additionally, this Phase I proposal will address maximizing signal-to-noise ratios to improve signal fidelity, optimizing sensitivity, and signal extraction from the stationary stator to provide adequate sampling rates, eg. 45-50 kHz. Also, the avoidance of silicon-based active devices, the lack of an external power source, and the small mass and low profile nature of the proposed strain sensors are all considerable advantages that could bring profound new sensing and monitoring capabilities to turbine engine systems. Together with project partner SUNY-Stony Brook and OEM partner, Pratt & Whitney a strong team has been constructed to meet the proposed development objectives.