Radio Frequency Jet Engine Airfoil Clearance Sensor

了解和维护翼型叶片尖端和发动机壳体之间的间隙是喷气发动机设计中的一个重要因素，因为它会极大地影响发动机的性能和可靠性。发动机叶片间隙可能会因为极端的温度变化以及高离心力和扭转力而改变。由于叶片以每分钟数千转的速度旋转，必须承受极端的温度梯度，并受到振动噪声的影响，因此开发用于监测间隙的传感器是非常具有挑战性的。在本项目中，将开发射频电磁传感器来解决这一问题。将使用两种方法，一种基于工作在VHF频率下的LC谐振电路，另一种基于差分耦合微波干涉仪。与我们的工业合作伙伴GE航空公司合作，该项目将包括理论、电磁模拟和实验研究。GE航空公司拥有近80年的喷气发动机设计经验。传感器的实验测试将使用通用电气航空公司建造的旋转钻机系统进行，该系统用于该项目。GE航空是世界上最大的飞机发动机供应商之一。该项目开发的叶片间隙传感器技术将为喷气发动机的高效设计提供重要组件，从而帮助改进喷气发动机的设计和性能，最终提高燃油经济性和可靠性。

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.