Pressure Imaging Sheets for Turbomachinery Applications

We will demonstrate the feasibility of using pressure imaging sensor sheets which emit a visible image of the pressure distribution to measure the pressure distribution on rotating turbomachinery. Our specific technical objectives for Phase I are: 1) to design a prototype sensor sheet, 2) to construct a prototype, 3) to conduct stationary bench-top tests, 4) to conduct tests on a low-speed rotating rig, and 5) to determine the requirements and issues to be addressed in order to adapt the pressure imaging sensor sheets to a high-speed rotating environment. We will establish design criteria, test candidate materials and configurations, and do a computer simulation of the sensor to develop a design for the prototype. We will construct several prototypes for testing. Bench-top testing will address basic function, calibration, spacial and temporal resolution, and power consumption. A sensor will be mounted on a low speed rotating rig to demonstrate use under rotation. The results of the bench-top tests and the rotating rig tests will be compared with environments anticipated for high-speed turbomachinery to determine what must be addressed to move to high-speed turbomachinery.