Engineering topics

Poppel, Gary L.

Publications and source records attributed to Poppel, Gary L..

3 records

NASA NTRS1998

Optical Closed-Loop Propulsion Control System Development

The overall objective of this program was to design and fabricate the components required for optical closed-loop control of a F404-400 turbofan engine, by building on the experience of the NASA Fiber Optic Control System Integration (FOCSI) program. Evaluating the performance of fiber optic technology at the component and system levels will result in helping to validate its use on aircraft engines. This report includes descriptions of three test plans. The EOI Acceptance Test is designed to demonstrate satisfactory functionality of the EOI, primarily fail-safe throughput of the F404 sensor signals in the normal mode, and validation, switching, and output of the five analog sensor signals as generated from validated optical sensor inputs, in the optical mode. The EOI System Test is designed to demonstrate acceptable F404 ECU functionality as interfaced with the EOI, making use of a production ECU test stand. The Optical Control Engine Test Request describes planned hardware installation, optical signal calibrations, data system coordination, test procedures, and data signal comparisons for an engine test demonstration of the optical closed-loop control.

Poppel, Gary L.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Fiber optic (flight quality) sensors for advanced aircraft propulsion

Development of flight prototype, fiber-optic sensing system components for measuring nine sensed parameters (three temperatures, two speeds, three positions, and one flame) on an F404-400 aircraft engine is described. Details of each sensor's design, functionality, and environmental testing, and the electro-optics architecture for sensor signal conditioning are presented. Eight different optical sensing techniques were utilized. Design, assembly, and environmental testing of an engine-mounted, electro-optics chassis unit (EOU), providing MIL-C-1553 data output, are related. Interconnection cables and connectors between the EOU and the sensors are identified. Results of sensor/cable/circuitry integrated testing, and installation and ground testing of the sensor system on an engine in October 1993 and April 1994 are given, including comparisons with the engine control system's electrical sensors. Lessons learned about the design, fabrication, testing, and integration of the sensor system components are included.

Poppel, Gary L.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Fiber optic controls for aircraft engines - Issues and implications

Some of the issues involved with the application of fiber-optic controls for aircraft engines in the harsh operating environment are addressed, with emphasis on fiber-optic temperature, pressure, position, and speed sensors. Criteria are established to evaluate the optical modulation technique, the sensor/control unit interconnection, and the electrooptic architecture. Single mode and polarization dependent sensor types, sensors which depend on the reflection and/or transmission of light through the engine environment, and intensity-based analog sensors are eliminated as a possible candidate for engine implementation. Fiber-optic harnesses tested for their optical integrity, temperature stability, and mechanical strength, exhibit a capacity to meet mechanical strength requirements and still gain a significant reduction in cable weight.

Dasgupta, Samhita↗