Fiber Optic Pressure Sensors with Temperature Compensation

Hydraulic systems for military aircraft depend on a multitude of pressure sensors for sustained operations. Traditional pressure sensors for these systems are complex, expensive, prone to reliability issues, and susceptible to electro-magnetic interference. Luna is proposing to develop a fiber optic pressure sensor that solve these problems and increase mission-readiness. Luna will develop a hydraulic fiber-optic pressure sensor to fit within the desired design envelope. The hydraulic pressure sensor intended for Electro-Hydraulic Actuators (EHAs). The sensor will incorporate thermal compensation features and will be multiplexed that will reduce necessary cabling thereby saving weight for the aircraft. Ultimately, the pressure sensor suite with multiple measurement capabilities will integrate into the appropriate flight control systems, while allowing for future sensor expansion. During Phase I, Luna demonstrated the feasibility of a fiber optic hydraulic pressure sensor that exceeded the operational window requirements. During Phase II, Luna will further develop the prototype sensor that meet the design application envelope and demonstrate capabilities laboratory and relevant environments to meet TRL 6. Phase III will test and qualify pressure sensors while partnering with commercial vendors to move these sensors to a production environment.