Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors for Thermal Protection Systems

Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems Corporation (IFOS) proposes an innovative fiber optic-based, multiplexable, highly ruggedized, integrated sensor system for real-time measurement and monitoring of temperature in an Ablative Thermal Protection System (TPS). Such measurement will allow for an effective estimation of temperature gradient and subsequent calculation of heat flux. IFOS will initially develop such a system for thermal monitoring in Small Probe applications. However, the technology will readily be applicable to other NASA vehicle applications where TPS is employed. The IFOS fiber optic sensors will incorporate Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs). These sensors are extremely light-weight, small, electromagnetically immune, and electrically passive. Multiple sensing FBGs can be fabricated on a single fiber for simplified design and reduced cost. The proposed fiber optic sensing technology is highly sensitive and accurate. It is also low-cost and lends itself to high-volume production. In the Phase I, IFOS will perform a feasibility study of its proposed temperature measurement and monitoring system.

The proposed work will significantly benefit the commercial re-entry vehicle development and hypersonic vehicles (engine and airframe). Additionally, this technology could readily lend itself to temperature measurement and monitoring applications in, for example, gas turbines and furnace heat recovery units (recuperators).

The TPS-integrated temperature sensing technology will support NASA's goal of developing more complete understanding of ground test-to-flight traceability issues in TPS small probe applications. Furthermore, this technology has potential to support NASA's efforts in developing higher performance TPS materials as well as integrated Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) systems.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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