Integration of the Phase Shift Method Into Intensity-Modulated Optical Sensors for Extended-Range Distance Measurements in Aircraft Engines

This work presents a dual-mode optical sensing system that integrates the phase shift method (PSM) into an existing intensity-modulated optical fiber displacement sensor to extend the measurement range for blade tip clearance (BTC) applications from 5 to 30 mm. The proposed enhancement requires only...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Aldabaldetreku Etxeberria, Gotzon, Durana Apaolaza, Gaizka, Amorebieta Herrero, Josu, Zubia Zaballa, Joseba Andoni, Zubia Garea, Gorka, Novoa Fernández, David
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Universidad del País Vasco
Repositorio:Addi. Archivo Digital para la Docencia y la Investigación
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:addi________::19acf183f531992f1c443e401e8a0a3c
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10810/79188
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:aero-engine condition monitoring
blade tip clearance (BTC)
fiber optic-based displacement sensor
phase shift method (PSM)
Descripción
Sumario:This work presents a dual-mode optical sensing system that integrates the phase shift method (PSM) into an existing intensity-modulated optical fiber displacement sensor to extend the measurement range for blade tip clearance (BTC) applications from 5 to 30 mm. The proposed enhancement requires only minimal modifications to the original probe configuration, including high-frequency light modulation at 100 MHz and insertion of a fiber optic coupler. These adjustments enable simultaneous, interference-free operation of the PSM and the intensity modulation technique (IMT) within a single platform for blade-distance detection. The system is designed to accommodate targets with varying reflectivity without recalibration and to automatically reject weak signals, improving reliability and simplifying integration. Dynamic tests validate the concurrent operation and complementary behavior of both methods: the IMT provides high sensitivity at short ranges, whereas the PSM ensures robust performance over extended distances. Experimental results confirm the feasibility of an extended-range, dual-mode optical sensing approach, offering a promising solution for next-generation aero-engine diagnostics where precision, adaptability, and robustness are critical.