Fluorescent Sensor Material for Hot Gas Path Component Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the temperature and strain of hot gas path components in gas turbine engines are inadequate as they fail to account for individual part exposure conditions, leading to inaccurate life prediction due to the inability to measure local heating and stress uniquely experienced by specific components.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a ceramic-based sensor material composition that emits fluorescent radiation when excited, allowing for the determination of surface temperature and strain by measuring the intensity and wavelength of emitted radiation, enabling accurate monitoring of hot gas path components without adding extra materials to the existing thermal barrier coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If average effects of stress and temperature profiles are used for monitoring, then system-level monitoring is achieved, but individual part exposure conditions cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The existing thermal barrier coating serves a dual function: protective coating and sensor substrate. The sensor material is incorporated into the TBC itself, allowing the coating to self-monitor its own condition and the underlying component's condition without requiring separate sensing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluorescent sensor material acts as an intermediary between the excitation light source and the component conditions. This material converts mechanical strain and temperature information into optical signals that can be remotely detected, enabling non-contact measurement of local conditions.
2Reliability
If protective coatings are applied to withstand high temperatures, then component durability increases, but the ability to monitor local thermal conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coating and sensing functionality are merged into a single integrated structure. The sensor material is embedded within the thermal barrier coating layers, combining the protective function with the monitoring function in one cohesive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal barrier coating is given multiple functions: it provides thermal protection to the component and simultaneously serves as a platform for strain and temperature sensing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective and sensing systems.
3Measurement precision
If sensor material is deposited on thermal barrier coating, then component life prediction is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor material deposition is achieved by modifying the composition parameters of the thermal barrier coating rather than adding a separate layer. By incorporating sensor materials into the TBC mixture, the manufacturing process remains similar to standard TBC application methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides real-time, accurate temperature and strain measurements, facilitating improved component life prediction and quality control, enabling gas turbine engines to operate efficiently at high temperatures with extended component lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
directing an excitation beam having an excitation wavelength at a layer of a sensor material composition deposited on the hot gas path component. The method also includes measuring a fluorescent radiation emitted by the sensor material composition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of monitoring a surface temperature of a hot gas path component includes directing an excitation beam having an excitation wavelength at a layer of a sensor material composition deposited on a hot gas path component to induce a fluorescent radiation. The method includes measuring fluorescent radiation emitted by the sensor material composition. The fluorescent radiation includes at least a first intensity at a first wavelength and a second intensity at a second wavelength. The surface temperature of the hot gas path component is determined based on a ratio of the first intensity at the first wavelength and the second intensity at the second wavelength of the fluorescent radiation emitted by the sensor material composition.