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Fiber Optic Strain Sensor for Planetary Gear DiagnosticsThis paper presents a new sensing approach for helicopter damage detection in the planetary stage of a helicopter transmission based on a fiber optic strain sensor array. Complete helicopter transmission damage detection has proven itself a difficult task due to the complex geometry of the planetary reduction stage. The crowded and complex nature of the gearbox interior does not allow for attachment of sensors within the rotating frame. Hence, traditional vibration-based diagnostics are instead based on measurements from externally mounted sensors, typically accelerometers, fixed to the gearbox exterior. However, this type of sensor is susceptible to a number of external disturbances that can corrupt the data, leading to false positives or missed detection of potentially catastrophic faults. Fiber optic strain sensors represent an appealing alternative to the accelerometer. Their small size and multiplexibility allows for potentially greater sensing resolution and accuracy, as well as redundancy, when employed as an array of sensors. The work presented in this paper is focused on the detection of gear damage in the planetary stage of a helicopter transmission using a fiber optic strain sensor band. The sensor band includes an array of 13 strain sensors, and is mounted on the ring gear of a Bell Helicopter OH-58C transmission. Data collected from the sensor array is compared to accelerometer data, and the damage detection results are presented
Document ID
20110023754
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Kiddy, Jason S. (Aither Engineering, Inc. Lanham, MD, United States)
FROM (Daedalus Flight Systems, LLC Gaithersburg, MD, United States)
Lewicki, David G. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
LaBerge, Kelsen E. (Army Research Lab. Cleveland, OH, United States)
Ehinger, Ryan T. (Textron Bell Helicopter Hurst, TX, United States)
Fetty, Jason (Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate Fort Eustis, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 2011
Subject Category
Mechanical Engineering
Report/Patent Number
AHS 2011-000154
NASA/TM-2011-217123
E-17812
Meeting Information
Meeting: 67th Annual Forum and Technology Display (Forum 67)
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Country: United States
Start Date: May 3, 2011
End Date: May 5, 2011
Sponsors: American Helicopter Society, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 877868.02.07.03.01.01.01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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