Andrew Doyle/LONDON
SIRA HAS demonstrated a multiplexed optical-fibre sensor system capable of providing immediate and precise data on rapidly changing conditions at the heart of gas-turbine engines.
The UK contract-research company says that its optical system is simpler, lighter and cheaper than comparable hard-wired electronic systems.
The system is based on optical components capable of functioning in the extreme temperature and pressure conditions found inside gas turbines.
The optical components are also immune to electromagnetic interference.
Developed for the UK's Defence Research Agency, the high-resolution system can detect changes in sensor displacement inside the engine to within a few nanometres.
Source: Flight International