Distributed Fiber-Optic Pressure Sensors for Scramjets

High-speed air-breathing propulsion involves complex flow path dynamics that require sophisticated management for reliable operation. Fast, accurate, high-resolution, reliable, low-SWaP, high-temperature pressure sensors are essential for real-time shock train location sensing to suppress engine unstart. Conventional sensors do not meet the requirements of the extreme hypersonic environment. IFOS’ robust, multiplexable HP*Sense™ will provide a robust platform for scramjets including Turbine Based Combined Cycle (TBCC). IFOS’ photonic-based approach is superior to conventional piezo-electric/resistive approaches in performance, noise/EMI, robustness, and SWaP. HP*Sense sensors are designed for manufacturability and low-cost production. IFOS has previously demonstrated concept feasibility. IFOS has constructed a detailed Direct-to-Phase II plan to methodically enhance the instrumentation TRL through extensive testing and validation in collaboration with University hypersonics experts and prime integrator, moving the solution towards intended applications. During Phase II Base, the multidisciplinary team will produce distributed HP*Sense sensors for experimental testing in shock tubes and wind tunnels. Phase II Option will validate HP*Sense in a suitable hypersonic propulsion testbed platform with prime integrator.