TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Air Platform, Materials/Processes, Sensors

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: JSF - Joint Strike Fighter Program

OBJECTIVE: Design and develop a thin film sensor that is low profile, conformal coated and can be applied to retro and forward fit applications.

DESCRIPTION: Previous research and development efforts in the high temperature community have focused on bulk, micro, and other state-of-the-art construction techniques for employing sensors in turbine engines. Sensors derived from thin film materials able to survive on a rotating component (such as a blade or disk) and to survive temperatures from 400�F to 2500�F or higher are necessary to advance the state of the art. The sensor must be non-intrusive, low profile and very thin (microns). Sensor must be easily attachable and able to withstand high g loads while conformally coating the application area. The thin film should also attach to static components such as vanes. Focus should be placed on thin film sensors that can measure temperature, strain vibration and pressure. Any sensor type should have minimal error readings due to water impingement, dust, sand and other foreign substances found in the operating environment.

PHASE I: Define the feasibility of the proposed material for the thin film application and the sensor types. Describe and demonstrate the ability of the thin film material properties and deposition techniques for the application environment. Experimentally demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed thin film sensor at a laboratory scale. Provide a technology insertion plan and a cost / benefits analysis.

PHASE II: Expand upon phase I results and include detailed information on material properties of the thin film if not previously available. Additionally, establish baseline information or better for the thin film�s corrosion resistance and other suitable properties relevant to the application environment. Develop a reliable process for affixing the thin film on the materials within the application environment. Fabricate and characterize full prototype devices in a laboratory environment and in a representative turbine test bed system such as a burner rig or other applicable device.

PHASE III: Conduct necessary qualification testing of the technology to merit further investment and consideration for military turbine engine platforms.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Both military and commercial turbine engine manufacturers and operators have a need for advanced sensors.

REFERENCES:
1. Pulsed Laser Deposition of Thin Films, Edited by Douglas B. Chrisey and Graham K. Hubler. New York: Wiley-VCH, (May 2003), 648.

2. Nix, W.D. "Mechanical Properties of Thin Films." Metall. Trans. A., Vol. 20A, no. 11, (November 1989), 2217-2245.

KEYWORDS: Thin Film; Sensor; Turbine; High Temperature; Conformal Coating; Low Profile

TPOC: (301)757-0517
2nd TPOC: (301)757-0508

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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