Fiber-optic pressure sensors for internal combustion engines

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Optics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Internal combustion engines require precise pressure monitoring for optimal performance and emissions control.
• Traditional pressure sensors may face limitations in harsh engine environments.
• Fiber optic sensing offers a robust alternative for in-situ measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of embedded fiber Fabry-Perot interferometers (FFPIs) as strain gauges for internal combustion engine pressure monitoring.
• To demonstrate the applicability of FFPIs across different engine types.

Main Methods:

• Two distinct FFPI sensor designs were developed and embedded within engine components.
• FFPI strain measurements were correlated with gas pressure in Diesel, gasoline, and natural gas engines.
• Data acquisition and analysis were performed to validate sensor performance.

Main Results:

• The embedded FFPIs successfully functioned as strain gauges, providing reliable data.
• Accurate gas pressure measurements were achieved across all tested engine types.
• The sensor designs demonstrated resilience in the demanding engine operating conditions.

Conclusions:

• Embedded FFPIs are a viable technology for real-time gas pressure monitoring in internal combustion engines.
• This fiber optic sensing approach offers a promising solution for engine diagnostics and control.
• The study validates FFPIs for diverse fuel types, including Diesel, gasoline, and natural gas.