Aerospace applications require a range of chemical sensing technologies to monitor conditions related to both space
exploration and aeronautic aircraft operations. These applications include leak detection, engine emissions monitoring,
fire detection, human health monitoring, and environmental monitoring. This paper discusses efforts to produce
microsensor platforms and Smart Sensor Systems that can be tailored to measure a range of chemical species. This
technology development ranges from development of base sensor platforms to the evaluation of more mature systems in
relevant environments. Although microsensor systems can have a significant impact on aerospace applications, extensive
application testing is necessary for their long-term implementation. The introduction of nanomaterials into microsensor
platforms has the potential to significantly enable improved sensor performance, but control of those nanostructures is
necessary in order to achieve maximum benefits. Examples will be given of microsensor platform technology, Smart
Sensor Systems, application testing, and efforts to integrate and control nanostructures into sensor structures.
High temperature sensors and electronics are necessary for a number of aerospace propulsion applications. The Sensors
and Electronics Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA GRC) has been involved in the design, fabrication,
and application of a range of sensors and electronics that have use in high temperature, harsh environment propulsion
environments. The emphasis is on developing advanced capabilities for measurement and control of aeropropulsion
systems as well as monitoring the safety of those systems using Micro/Nano technologies. Specific areas of work
include SiC based electronic devices and sensors; thin film thermocouples, strain gauges, and heat flux gauges;
chemical sensors; as well as integrated and multifunctional sensor systems. Each sensor type has its own technical
challenges related to integration and reliability in a given application. These activities have a common goal of
improving the awareness of the state of the propulsion system and moving towards the realization of intelligent engines.
This paper will give an overview of the broad range of sensor-related development activities on-going in the NASA
GRC Sensors and Electronics Branch as well as their current and potential use in propulsion systems.
Leaks on the Space Shuttle while on the Launch Pad have generated interest in hydrogen leak monitoring technology. An effective leak monitoring system requires reliable hydrogen sensors, hardware, and software to monitor the sensors. The system should process the sensor outputs and provide real-time leak monitoring information to the operator. This paper discusses the progress in developing such a complete leak monitoring system. Advanced microfabricated hydrogen sensors are being fabricated at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and tested at NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) and Gencorp Aerojet (Aerojet). Changes in the hydrogen concentrations are detected using a PdAg on silicon Schottky diode structure. Sensor temperature control is achieved with a temperature sensor and heater fabricated onto the sensor chip. Results of the characterization of these sensors are presented. These sensors can detect low concentrations of hydrogen in inert environments with high sensitivity and quick response time. Aerojet is developing the hardware and software for a multipoint leak monitoring system designed to provide leak source and magnitude information in real time. The monitoring system processes data from the hydrogen sensors and presents the operator with a visual indication of the leak location and magnitude. Work has commenced on integrating the NASA LeRC-CWRU hydrogen sensors with the Aerojet designed monitoring system. Although the leak monitoring system was designed for hydrogen propulsion systems, the possible applications of this monitoring system are wide ranged. Possible commercialization of the system will also be discussed.
Conference Committee Involvement (1)
Sensors for Propulsion Measurement Applications
20 April 2006 | Orlando (Kissimmee), Florida, United States
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