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Piezoelectrical Structural Sensor Technology for Extreme Environments (> 1800 F), Phase I
Completed
TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Description
High temperature piezoelectric crystal (HTP) sensors are desired for future propulsion component structure health monitoring, operating parameters optimization, turbine engine control and health monitoring, as well as improving performance and maintainability of power production facilities and other rotary combustion engines. Recently discovered high temperature piezoelectrics showed stable piezoelectric properties and high resistivity at temperatures close to its melting point (~ 1500 C) , which is very promising for high temperature sensor applications. The preliminary results showed excellent temperature sening performance at temperature up to 1000 C. Piezoelectric structural sensors on the basis of piezoelectric effect (non-resonant) and impedance measurement (resonant) have been widely demonstrated for pressure, stress, strain, temperature, acceleration, etc. measurements because of their high sensitivity, quick response, low profile, high reliability and low cost. The goal of this program is to develop highly sensitive HTPC based piezoelectric structural sensors for temperature, strain and acceleration measurements at temperatures up to 2000 oF.
Benefits
High temperature sensors can be used for turbine engine control and health monitoring, high mach flight tests, as well as improving performance and maintainability of power production facilities and other rotary combustion engines.
Details
| Technology area | Sensors and Instruments > In Situ Instruments and Sensors > Environment Sensors |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA |
| Start date | 2009-01-22 |
| End date | 2009-07-22 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — 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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