Project Title:

Fiber Optic Pressure Sensor for Wind Tunnel Applications

08.20-7377
Fiber Optic Pressure Sensor for Wind Tunnel
	Applications
Opcoa, Inc.
12281 Knott Street, Suite 109
Garden Grove, CA 92641
William H. Quick  (714-558-7377)
LaRC -- NAS1-18626

Abstract:

	 A broad-range, pressure sensor immune to harsh environments and extreme temperatures
is required for research in wind-tunnels. The proposed sensor--an integral terminus
of a single, multi-mode, fiber-optic cable--is essentially all glass and, hence,
immune to high temperatures and electromagnetic interference. The results of the
Phase I study indicate that the pressure sensor is indeed feasible. Critical theoretical
and experimental aspects of the system design--sensor element and optical de-modulator--were
considered during Phase I as were proposed fabrication procedures for a prototype
model. Also, the design of the de-modulator and microprocessor interface was generated.
Accuracy analyses, both experimental and theoretical, show great potential for the
pressure sensor system; however, evaluation needs to proceed further using a complete
prototype system.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Application: Multi-purpose pressure sensors which are immune
to electrical noise and extreme temperature environments could find broad applications
in process and automotive industries as well as in the military.