Optimization of Turbine Engine Performance Using Shape Memory Alloy Pressure Transducers

With the ever-increasing demands on engine performance, emissions reduction and better fuel economy, reliable pressure transducers are needed for in situ aircraft turbine engines. To meet these needs, Orbital Research Inc. proposes an in-situ pressuretransducer enabled via a thin film ternary shape memory alloy sensing element. The proposed sensing element theoretically outperforms the most promising SiC transducers by at least 800% at high temperatures (400-600¿C).The goal of this program is to produce a dynamic pressure transducer to monitor the flow through the compressor of a turbine engines. No such transducer exists in the aircraft industry primarily due to the inability of the transducers to withstand theharsh turbine environment. Orbital Research will work closely with the Glennan Microsystems Initiative to assure a successful microsystem integration strategy is implemented. Thus, this program will evaluate the feasibility of tailoring the innovativesensing element so that it can operate within a turbine engine at high temperatures and high frequencies (10-50 KHz) near the compressor inlet. Ultimately, a more responsive, durable, low cost, pressure transducer will be produced usingmicroelectromechanical fabrication processes. This final flush mounted harsh environment transducer will make a dramatic impact on health monitoring and performance of turbine engines.The technologies developed in this program have an established pathway to commercialization. The proposed transducers are an enabling technology for many diverse applications because of their ability to measure pressure in high temperatures. Thistechnology has relevance to a wide variety of civilian and military applications such as diesel engines for trucks and buses, geothermal and oil drilling applications, and industrial applications.