Sensor application opportunities for aerospace propulsion systems

Fiber optic sensor application opportunities for aerospace propulsion systems is the next frontier for improving aerospace instrumentation. Todays jet engine sensors are expensvie, have high temperature and harsh environment limitations, are bulky, heavy in weight, complex and time consuming to install. Other sensor concerns are electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic pulse generators (EMP). Today a number of advanced aircraft support fiber optic backbone architecture for on-board communications. This paper will discuss jet engine hardware, potential fiber optic sensor application opportunities, fiber optic sensor benefits and and challenges. The paper will conclude with a fiber optic sensor application prediction.