Liquid Measurement Using Optical Technologies

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New composite materials used to build next generation commercial aircraft wings create a significant reduction in the number of metallic parts in wings. Accordingly, it is highly desirable to remove electrical conductors (wires) from the wing as they provide a lightning conduction path and have to be isolated and bonded accordingly to meet regulations. Likewise, it is desirable to remove all electrical power sources from inside the aircraft fuel tanks.Existing Fuel Quantity Indication Systems (FQIS) are safe and extremely reliable, but with less metallic material in future generation commercial aircraft wings the removal of any electrical conductors (wires) and electrical power sources from the wings and fuel tanks is extremely attractive.The fuel sensing collaboration builds on over three years of technology research between Boeing and AFE to develop fuel probes and interrogation electronics. A full FQIS system includes a densitometer and this NATEP project will seek to develop the densitometer, which will ensure there will be no requirement for electrically powered sensors within the fuel tank environment.The sensor will be fuel agnostic, meaning it will be developed to measure all fuels, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and potentially including Hydrogen. The project aligns with developing future propulsion technologies contributing to CO2 reduction and systems which support sustainable aviation over existing technologies.