Optimization of Turbine Engine Performance Using Shape Memory Alloy Pressure Transducers

Currently, active cooling of pressure transducers is required in high temperature sections of turbine engines, which limit their use to ground-based engine tests. Lacking high temperature pressure measurement capabilities, turbine engines must operatewithin a wide engine performance margin, which limits the true performance capability of the engine, reduces fuel economy and aircraft range. A flight-ready, high temperature pressure transducer would enable advanced engine controls for improved aircraftand engine performance, extended range and fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and engine health monitoring capabilities. The Phase I program successfully demonstrated a fast response, high temperature shape memory alloy (HTSMA) pressure sensing elementsuitable for harsh turbine engine applications without the need for active cooling. This Phase II program will build upon these successful results to produce a flight-ready, HTSMA pressure transducer that will be tested in turbine engine ground or flighttests at Pratt & Whitney's test facility. Orbital Research has received much interest though our working relationships with key turbine engine organizations and manufacturers, such as the Propulsion Instrumentation Working Group and Pratt & Whitney.Continued collaboration with Orbital Research's turbine engine industry team will ensure product readiness and reliability in harsh turbine engine environments.