SBIR-STTR Award

This proposal describes radar sensors and data processing algorithms that address the technology gap between NSMS and strain gage vibration surveys. The radar-based approach provides data that can be processed in the time and frequency domains to accurately track blade vibration down to very low levels and over a very wide bandwidth. The work in this project will be planned, performed, and reviewed in close cooperation with the Propulsion Instrumentation Working Group (PIWG) and its member companies. This lays the groundwork for a transition path for this technology. The proposed technology development and validation program will bring this system to technology readiness level 7 by the conclusion of Phase II.

Benefit:
Improvements in blade health monitoring capability will significantly reduce the cost and risk of development and operation of military and commercial gas turbine engines, industrial gas turbines used for power generation, as well as many types of industrial steam turbines, compressors and expanders. The costs associated with maintenance, downtime, and readiness are already well established and understood by both military and industrial users. By designing the system to meet the requirements of the PIWG community and validating the system with laboratory and engine tests, Mechanical Solutions is confident that a successful technology transition will occur.

Keywords:
Engine, Propulsion, Vibration, Fatigue, Fod, Clearance, Online, Measurement

The overall goal for this project is to develop and validate a robust online blade vibration and tip clearance measurement system for compressor and turbine blades, and to transition that technology to engine control system manufacturers, thereby improving engine performance, cost, and durability. This proposal describes a flight-capable blade health monitoring system that uses a compact and robust approach to on-wing turbine engine measurements. MSI?s two-sensor approach is unique to the proposer, and provides the means to dramatically reduce the sensor count compared to other NSMS systems. The work in this project will be planned, performed, and reviewed in close cooperation with the Propulsion Instrumentation Working Group (PIWG) and its member companies. This lays the groundwork for a transition path for this technology. The proposed technology development and validation program will bring this system to technology readiness level 7 by the conclusion of Phase II.

Benefit:
Improvements in on-wing blade health monitoring capability will significantly reduce the cost and risk of development and operation of military and commercial gas turbine engines, industrial gas turbines used for power generation, as well as many types of industrial steam turbines, compressors and expanders. The costs associated with maintenance, downtime, and readiness are already well established and understood by both military and industrial users. By designing the system to meet the flight system requirements of the PIWG community and validating the system with laboratory and engine tests, Mechanical Solutions is confident that a successful technology transition will occur.

Keywords:
Engine, Propulsion, Vibration, Fatigue, Fod, Clearance, Online, Measurement