Rotorcraft Turbine Engine Applications of Environetix's Wireless High Temperature Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Micro-Electromechanical Machines (MEM) Sensor System

The purpose of this paper is to explain the benefits, value, and achievements of Environetix's Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Micro-Electromechanical Machine (MEM) sensor technology, developed under the Army Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, as an enabler for advanced monitoring of aircraft components for future Army sustainment efforts. Details will be provided to demonstrate how the SAW sensor system, with its micro-size, minimal weight, non-obtrusive characteristics, battery-free operation, and wireless transmission capabilities, can enable the autonomous monitoring of components/systems on Army rotorcraft. The details of the design, fabrication, and temperature sensing on an actual turbine engine compressor section will be presented. Finally, this paper recommends refining this technology and preparing it for validation/qualification testing in multiple Army turbine engines and other critical rotorcraft components.