Abstract
Experimental measurements of the strain and pressure of rotor blades are important for understanding the aerodynamics and dynamics of a rotorcraft. This understanding can help in solving on-blade problems as well as in designing and optimizing the blade profiles for improved aerodynamics and noise attenuation in the next generation rotorcraft. The overall goal of our research is to develop a miniature wireless optical sensor system for helicopter on-blade pressure and strain measurements. In this paper, leveraging past and current experiences with fiber optic sensor development, a proof-of- concept of fiber optic pressure/strain sensor system with wireless data acquisition and transfer capability is demonstrated. The recently developed high-speed, real-time fiber optic sensor demodulation techniques based on low coherence interferometry and phase-shifting interferometry is used. This scheme enables a Spatial Division Multiplexing configuration that consists of multiple Fabry-Perot strain and pressure sensors. Calibration of the strain and pressure sensors is carried out by using commercially available sensors as references. Spin chamber testing of the sensor system for simultaneous on-blade pressure and strain field measurements is also performed. It is expected that such a sensor system will result in enhanced robustness and performance for on-blade pressure and strain field measurements.
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