Condition monitoring of epicyclical gears using optical fibre sensors

Sensors are crucial components in aviation. In addition to providing information to the flight crew, they are increasingly providing information for Artificial Intelligence systems, in order to predict and thus avoid faults. Such capability would make aviation safer, less polluting and reduce flight disruption.

The challenge for all AI systems is how to measure and interpret the data. This is not trivial and requires development and understanding of both the sensor platform and mechanical phenomena. Generally, a greater proliferation of sensors in harsh environments is considered beneficial and an increasing trend amongst the aviation industry. Effectively, this provides observation with eyes wide open to what was previously obscured.

This project is in collaboration with GE Aviation and shall build an optical system that can monitor epicyclical gears aboard rotorcraft. The core technology shall be based upon optical fibre segmented interferometry (OFSI) and spectral multiplexed Bragg gratings. Developments shall target vibration and thermal mapping of the outer casing of a gearbox, to condition monitor the complex planetary gear system within. The solution shall use lightweight optical fibres containing 100's of sensor elements to construct a solution that captures pre-failure modes.