Radio Frequency Jet Engine Airfoil Clearance Sensor

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Knowledge and maintenance of the clearance between the airfoil blade tips and engine housing is an essential factor in jet engine design as it can dramatically affect engine performance and reliability. Engine blade clearance can change due to extreme temperature variations and high centrifugal and torsional forces. The development of sensors to monitor clearance is very challenging as blades rotate at thousands of revolutions per minute, must endure extreme temperature gradients and are subjected to vibrational noise. In this project radio-frequency electromagnetic sensors will be developed to address this problem. Two approaches, one based on an LC-resonant circuit operating at VHF frequency, and a second based on a differentially coupled microwave interferometer will be utilized. In collaboration with our industrial partner, GE Aviation who has nearly eighty years experience designing jet engines, the project will encompass theoretical, electromagnetic simulation and experimental research. Experimental testing of sensors will be performed using a spin-rig system, built by GE Aviation for use in this project. GE Aviation is one of the world's foremost suppliers of aircraft engines. The blade clearance sensor techniques developed in this project will provide an important component for the efficient design of jet engines, subsequently aiding in improved design and performance of their jet engines, ultimately leading to improved fuel economy and reliability.