SBIR-STTR Award

The United States Air Force (USAF) at Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) has identified a need for improved turbine engine exhaust flow measurement. Non-Contact Technologies, LLC, (NCT) seeks to apply research techniques developed by the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) for non-intrusive diagnostics of exhaust and gas flows from turbine engines during ground testing. The USAF is developing new turbine engines with variable cycles and integrated exhaust systems that introduce special challenges (acoustics, off axis thrust generation, nozzle heating, etc) during ground testing. New measurement and analysis techniques are needed to ensure representative ground tests are performed during development, as well as protecting the test article and test facility. This STTR will address many of the USAF advanced engines ground test needs as clearly stated in the attached Air Force stakeholder letter of support. In addition, NCT, in cooperation with UTSI, will investigate commercialization of the measurement technique by developing the system into a field deployable unit, including altitude test cells and flight line testing.

Advanced Air Force turbine engines with integrated engine exhaust systems require diagnostic flow measurements. Integration of these systems into altitude test cells creates problems with T&E requirements such as impingement problems, exhaust cooling spray blowback, acoustic emission issues and limited space for measurement systems. Propulsion system analysts need better understanding of low aspect ratio nozzles with serpentine flow paths. Innovative non-intrusive flow measurements and data analysis techniques developed by UTSI fit this need but were traditionally fielded in wind tunnel or lab environments. This effort will utilize combined assets of Non-Contact Technologies (NCT) and University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) to develop a commercial non-intrusive flow measurement capability to meet Air Force requirements. UTSI has developed non-intrusive, field-deployable flow measurement techniques and associated data reduction methodology, while NCT has experience in Dynamic Data Analysis, production of field ready, rugged equipment plus non-intrusive measurement experience. This solution will give major AEDC and Air Force stakeholders a capability that will fulfill the requirement for research in nozzle testing, provide a rugged system that is deployable in the field or an altitude test cell, and ensure AEDC and the Air Force can meet customer requirements due to the improved system diagnostic capability.