Development of Compact LWIR Borescope Sensor for Non-contact 2D Engine Component Surface Temperature Measurement

Abstract

A compact long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) borescope imaging sensor operating in the wavelength range of 8–14 μm is designed and developed for non-contact two-dimensional (2D) surface temperature measurements in gas-turbine engines. The LWIR detection minimizes optical interferences from hot combustion gases and soot (emission within UV-Mid IR region). Using simulations, the system is optimized for improving the collection efficiency and minimize aberrations. The LWIR borescope probe is shielded by the custom-build compact water-cooled probe housing (OD 19 mm, ID 10 mm), which can sustain flame temperature up to 2400 K at a pressure of 50 bar. It facilitates long-term optical diagnostics inside the actual high-pressure combustion facilities where extreme thermal acoustic perturbation and intense heat fluxes are encountered. The design, construction, and characterization of the LWIR borescope sensor are discussed in detail. We present the 2D surface temperature measurements of a V-gutter bluff-body with simple nitrogen gas cooling in a laboratory testbed. The results indicate the sensor’s ability to accurately measure surface temperature with low background noise and to track transient cooling effect. The water-cooled probe housing was tested to verify the effectiveness of fast heat dissipation in high-temperature combustion environment to avoid unwanted thermal signals from the LWIR probe window. The developed LWIR sensor suite has promising applications in surface temperature measurements of engine components. The findings of this study may aid propulsion system engineers and researchers in designing thermal management systems and optimizing operation.