Achievement

IGERT researchers have initiated a new program under Air Force funding to develop wireless, battery free, high temperature (up to 1200 deg C) acoustic wave sensors that can operate in harsh environments. This research is developing a new family of piezoelectric sensor materials that are stable under temperatures where other piezoelectric materials are not. The interdisciplinary research combines high temperature sensor materials and device design with wireless communication and signal processing, on-chip electronics and packaging, and networking of multiple sensor devices. Prototype sensor devices are being evaluated and tested on under realistic high temperature operating Air Force environments. In situ measurements on components such as turbine blades, rotors, and other active high temperature structures will yield diagnostics (present condition) and prognostics (future condition) of critical aeronautic and aerospace components, which will provide substantial cost savings.