Abstract: Methods are provided for producing an attrition-resistant, flexible, insulated wire well-suited for use in a high temperature operating environment. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a conductor, preparing a dielectric coating, applying the dielectric coating over the conductor, and curing the coated conductor. The dielectric coating includes an organic binder, a dielectric material, and an inorganic lubricant.

Abstract: A tachometer for supplying a signal representative of the rotational rate of a rotatable device includes a plurality of detection magnets, an index feature, and one or more non-rotationally mounted magnetic circuits. The detection magnets are coupled to, and spaced around, the device, to thereby rotate with the device when the device is rotated. The index feature is associated with the rotatable device, to thereby rotate with the device when the device is rotated. The index feature and the plurality of detection magnets are spaced evenly around the device. The magnetic circuits are spaced evenly around the device, and each magnetic circuit is configured to supply a first electrical signal each time one of the detection magnets rotates past the magnetic circuit and a second electrical signal each time the index feature rotates.

Abstract: A system comprises a first sensing device, a first Sterba Curtain, and a first modulating device communicatively coupling the first sensing device to the first Sterba Curtain. The first sensing device is configured to sense at least a first parameter. The first Sterba Curtain is configured to receive at least a first incident electromagnetic wave and to selectively transmit and reflect portions of the first incident electromagnetic wave. The first modulating device is configured to selectively convey a first signal representing the first parameter by modulating at least one of a first transmitted component of the first incident electromagnetic wave and a first reflected component of the first incident electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: According to a method for forming a coating system on a turbine engine component substrate that comprises a nickel-based superalloy substrate having at least one refractory metal included therein, a nickel-based layer is formed on the substrate, the nickel-based layer comprising at least one active material selected from the group consisting of elemental silicon and a silicon compound. The at least one active material is then diffused into the substrate. An yttrium-modified platinum aluminide bond coating, or a MCrAlX bond coating, may be then formed over the active material-modified nickel-based layer.

Abstract: A particulate matter detector formed in an insulated device such as a spark plug. The insulated device has a center electrode having a first end and a second end. The first end of the center electrode passes through the insulated device and may be connected to a terminal. The second end of the electrode is formed to provide a greater surface area. The form may be a star, circle, series of S's or a helix to increase the surface area of the second end of the center electrode that may be exposed to the exhaust from an engine. The sensor may be used to measure particulate matter in the exhaust of an engine and permit a processor to regulate the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A method for harvesting energy for wireless fluid stream sensors is provided that includes locating a wireless fluid stream sensor in a fluid stream. The wireless fluid stream sensor includes a flexible membrane and a rod. Energy is harvested based on strain induced in the flexible membrane due to movement of the rod. The wireless fluid stream sensor may be powered with the harvested energy. The energy may be harvested with piezoelectric elements that are coupled to the flexible membrane or with piezoelectric elements or other type of energy-harvesting components that are located remotely from the wireless fluid stream sensor.

Abstract: A system comprises a first sensing device, a first Sterba Curtain, and a first modulating device communicatively coupling the first sensing device to the first Sterba Curtain. The first sensing device is configured to sense at least a first parameter. The first Sterba Curtain is configured to receive at least a first incident electromagnetic wave and to selectively transmit and reflect portions of the first incident electromagnetic wave. The first modulating device is configured to selectively convey a first signal representing the first parameter by modulating at least one of a first transmitted component of the first incident electromagnetic wave and a first reflected component of the first incident electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A tachometer for supplying a signal representative of the rotational rate of a rotatable device includes a plurality of detection magnets, an index feature, and one or more non-rotationally mounted magnetic circuits. The detection magnets are coupled to, and spaced around, the device, to thereby rotate with the device when the device is rotated. The index feature is associated with the rotatable device, to thereby rotate with the device when the device is rotated. The index feature and the plurality of detection magnets are spaced evenly around the device. The magnetic circuits are spaced evenly around the device, and each magnetic circuit is configured to supply a first electrical signal each time one of the detection magnets rotates past the magnetic circuit and a second electrical signal each time the index feature rotates.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring system and method uses a resonant transmission line sensor. A resonant transmission line sensor, which includes one or more sensor conductors and a dielectric material disposed at least proximate the one or more sensor conductors, is coupled to the structure. The dielectric material exhibits a dielectric constant that varies when at least a portion of the transmission line sensor is subjected to one or more stimuli. One or more resonant frequencies of the transmission line sensor are determined, and the determined one or more resonant frequencies are then correlated to the structural health of the structure.

Abstract: Methods are provided for forming coatings on substrates. In an embodiment, a method includes forming a first metal layer on the substrate, the first metal layer comprising a first precious metal, electrodepositing an active element over the first metal layer to form an active element layer, the active element selected from the group consisting of yttrium, scandium, and a lanthanide series element, applying a second metal layer over the active element layer, the second metal layer consisting essentially of a metal selected from a group consisting of a second precious metal, nickel, and cobalt, heating the substrate including the first metal layer, the active element layer, and the second metal layer to form a diffusion-alloyed layer over the substrate, adding aluminum to the diffusion-alloyed layer, and heating the substrate to diffuse and react the aluminum with the diffusion-alloyed layer to form a modified precious metal aluminide coating on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a modified platinum aluminide coating on a turbine engine component surface includes the step of forming a platinum layer on the turbine engine component surface. A bath is then prepared, including a mixture of a primary alcohol and a tertiary alcohol, and an electrolyte including an yttrium salt. Then, yttrium from the yttrium salt is electrodeposited onto the platinum layer. The component is heated to diffuse the yttrium into the platinum layer to form a modified platinum layer. Aluminum is then deposited onto the modified platinum layer, and the component is heated to diffuse the aluminum into the modified platinum layer to form a modified platinum aluminide layer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing an attrition-resistant, flexible, insulated wire well-suited for use in a high temperature operating environment. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of providing a conductor, preparing a dielectric coating, applying the dielectric coating over the conductor, and curing the coated conductor. The dielectric coating includes an organic binder, a dielectric material, and an inorganic lubricant.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice includes a sensor including a radio-frequency transmission line providing a characteristic impedance, a source coupled to the transmission line and operable to inject a wave into the transmission line, a summer operable to create standing wave, the standing wave including the sum of the injected wave and a reflected wave reflected by the end of the transmission line, the summer being connected between the source and the transmission line, and a detector for detecting the voltage of the standing wave. An embodiment may further include a comparator operable to compare the detected voltage with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the sensor.

Abstract: An air-core transformer position sensor includes an excitation coil, an output coil, and a sensor coil. The excitation coil is adapted to be electrically excited with an excitation signal. The output coil is inductively coupled to the excitation coil upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil. The sensor coil is electrically shorted, is movable relative to the excitation coil and the output coil and, upon electrical excitation of the excitation coil, is inductively coupled to at least one of the excitation coil or the output coil.

Abstract: A method for harvesting energy for wireless fluid stream sensors is provided that includes locating a wireless fluid stream sensor in a fluid stream. The wireless fluid stream sensor includes a flexible membrane and a rod. Energy is harvested based on strain induced in the flexible membrane due to movement of the rod. The wireless fluid stream sensor may be powered with the harvested energy. The energy may be harvested with piezoelectric elements that are coupled to the flexible membrane or with piezoelectric elements or other type of energy-harvesting components that are located remotely from the wireless fluid stream sensor.

Abstract: A particulate matter detector formed in an insulated device such as a spark plug. The insulated device has a center electrode having a first end and a second end. The first end of the center electrode passes through the insulated device and may be connected to a terminal. The second end of the electrode is formed to provide a greater surface area. The form may be a star, circle, series of S's or a helix to increase the surface area of the second end of the center electrode that may be exposed to the exhaust from an engine. The sensor may be used to measure particulate matter in the exhaust of an engine and permit a processor to regulate the operation of the engine.

Abstract: A proximity sensor system uses a sensor coil as the frequency determining element of an oscillator circuit. The frequency of the oscillator circuit is thus modulated based on the proximity of the sensor coil to a conductive element, thereby supplying a frequency modulated sensor signal. A frequency modulation (FM) detector circuit demodulates the sensor signal, and supplies a signal having an amplitude that varies with, and is representative of, the proximity of the sensor coil to the conductive element.

Abstract: Flexible insulated wires for use in a high temperature environment are provided. In an embodiment, the wire includes a conductor and a coating over the conductor. The coating is formulated from a dielectric material and an organic binder having an organic component, wherein the organic component has been substantially decomposed from the coating during manufacture. The flexible insulated wire may be incorporated into a component. Methods of forming the flexible insulated wire are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of ice includes a sensor including a radio-frequency transmission line providing a characteristic impedance, a source coupled to the transmission line and operable to inject a wave into the transmission line, a summer operable to create standing wave, the standing wave including the sum of the injected wave and a reflected wave reflected by the end of the transmission line, the summer being connected between the source and the transmission line, and a detector for detecting the voltage of the standing wave. An embodiment may further include a comparator operable to compare the detected voltage with reference data for determining the presence of ice contacting the sensor.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring system and method uses a resonant transmission line sensor. A resonant transmission line sensor, which includes one or more sensor conductors and a dielectric material disposed at least proximate the one or more sensor conductors, is coupled to the structure. The dielectric material exhibits a dielectric constant that varies when at least a portion of the transmission line sensor is subjected to one or more stimuli. One or more resonant frequencies of the transmission line sensor are determined, and the determined one or more resonant frequencies are then correlated to the structural health of the structure.