Abstract
A high-performance fuel gauging sensor is described that uses five diaphragm-based pressure sensors, which are monitored using a linear array of polymer optical fiber Bragg gratings. The sensors were initially characterized using water, revealing a sensitivity of 98 pm/cm for four of the sensors and 86 pm/cm for the fifth. The discrepancy in the sensitivity of the fifth sensor has been explained as being a result of the annealing of the other four sensors. Initial testing in JET A-1 aviation fuel revealed the unsuitability of silicone rubber diaphragms for prolonged usage in fuel. A second set of sensors manufactured with a polyurethane-based diaphragm showed no measurable deterioration over a three month period immersed in fuel. These sensors exhibited a sensitivity of 39 pm/cm, which is less than the silicone rubber devices due to the stiffer nature of the polyurethane material used.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 6122-6129 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | IEEE Sensors Journal |
| Volume | 16 |
| Issue number | 15 |
| Early online date | 7 Jun 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2016 |
Bibliographical note
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- aircraft applications
- fiber Bragg gratings
- fuel level monitoring
- polymer optical fiber sensors
- pressure sensors