Novel Fiber Optic Oil Quantity Sensor for Aerospace Applications

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a sensor for real-time measurement of oil quantity, temperature and contaminants with high sensitivity/dynamic range under variable flight conditions. The sensor is based on a sensing technique applicable for high-speed measurements, incorporating multiple sensors in a single cable that is placed within the oil tank enabling spatially resolved multi-point detection.Ā During Phase I, PSI will develop theoretical models to simulate flight conditions and measurement characteristics of the envisioned oil quantity sensor. A prototype sensor system with ten sensing elements (5 for oil quantity, 3 for temperature, and 2 for oil contamination) will be developed and tested to demonstrate feasibility. The successful feasibility experiment will lay the foundation for the Phase I Option development of a low-cost, low power, lightweight sensor design and the testing of a neural network to compensate for the influences of the splash-lubricated gearbox and dynamic flight conditions. Successful completion of the Option program will reduce remaining risk for the development and testing of a complete oil quantity sensor demonstrated under simulated flight conditions during Phase II. The effort leverages prior PSI experience developing sensing technologies for fluid-based measurement systems.