High-Temperature Optical Sensors for the Turbine Flow Path Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-037 Topic Title: High-Temperature Optical Sensors for the Turbine Flow Path Proposal No.: N081-037-0119 Firm: Spectral Sciences, Inc. 4 Fourth Avenue Burlington, Massachusetts 01803-3304 Contact: Neil Goldstein Phone: (781) 273-4770 Web Site: www.spectral.com Abstract: High-temperature fiber-optical probes have the potential to provide diagnostic and prognostic measures of flow properties at various locations within the turbine hot section. Passive optical probes, along with spectrally-resolved detection can provide in-situ, non-contact measurements of the properties of the gases and particulates in the hot flow path. This proposal addresses the engineering development and testing of optical sensors that make use of currently-available access ports to measure flow parameters of the gas path between turbine stages. It includes design of a robust probe suitable for the engine environment, and the development of novel signal processing techniques that yield intensity-independent measurements based on the shape of the naturally occurring emission spectrum. The spectra are decomposed into the known temperature- and concentration-dependent spectrum of the component gases, particulates, and solids to yield data products such as concentrations, temperature, soot loading, indicators of heat release due to active combustion, and turbine blade temperature. Benefits: High-temperature diagnostics that can measure actual hot-path conditions will provide information needed to decrease temperature and heat-flux variability within the turbine, leading to increased efficiency, reduced fatigue, and lowered maintenance cost. Such diagnostics are critical for performance testing during the developmental cycle and can be applied for routine ground-testing of the existing fleet. Since the proposed optical sensor is designed to use existing access ports, it can be applied directly for ground testing, where it can aid in diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of turbomachinary condition. Such prognostics can enable state-based maintenance programs, which can increase readiness and reduce routine maintenance costs. Return