Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase II: A15-017

Description

To address the Armys need for high-temperature sensors for advanced turbine engine materials such as ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to continue developing the Integrated Fiber Optic Sensor (IFOS) system. POC has successfully designed, modeled, developed, tested, and demonstrated in Phase I, a technology readiness level (TRL)-3 IFOS prototype. IFOS demonstrated in Phase I the capability to withstand temperatures >2700 deg F, and achieved accuracy of >99%, sensitivity of 5 mV/F, and linearity of >99.98%. In Phase II, POC will focus primarily on further development of the high temperature sensing method, miniaturization, hardware packaging, and integration strategies. The IFOS sensors will be attached to a CMC turbine hot-section material coupon and subjected to relevant thermomechanical fatigue loads. The sensors will be able to survive 2700 deg F for a minimum of 3000 hot/3000 cold hr (total 6000 hr). Relevant engine environmental tests for sensor survivability and durability will include successful atmospheric burner rig test and vibration tests. Based on current results and modeling, the accuracy of the Phase II sensors will be within +/-1% error. Wireless data transmission from the sensor will also be developed. The Phase II IFOS prototype system will reach TRL-5 to -6.