Abstract: A system for use in inspecting a component having flow openings defined therein. The system includes a fluid injector in flow communication with the component, wherein the fluid injector provides fluid to the component such that the fluid is discharged from the flow openings. A sensing sheet is coupled to or positioned proximate to the component such that the fluid discharged from the flow openings is received at the sensing sheet, wherein the sensing sheet is formed from pressure-sensitive material. A light source emits light towards the sensing sheet such that the pressure-sensitive material is excited to an energy level. The system further includes an imaging device that captures images of a change in color of the pressure-sensitive material as a function of a pressure of the fluid received at the sensing sheet, wherein the change in color represents a pressure distribution across the sensing sheet based on a flow profile of the fluid discharged from the flow openings.

Abstract: A system for use in inspecting a component having flow openings defined therein. The system includes a fluid injector in flow communication with the component, wherein the fluid injector provides fluid to the component such that the fluid is discharged from the flow openings. A sensing sheet is coupled to or positioned proximate to the component such that the fluid discharged from the flow openings is received at the sensing sheet, wherein the sensing sheet is formed from pressure-sensitive material. A light source emits light towards the sensing sheet such that the pressure-sensitive material is excited to an energy level. The system further includes an imaging device that captures images of a change in color of the pressure-sensitive material as a function of a pressure of the fluid received at the sensing sheet, wherein the change in color represents a pressure distribution across the sensing sheet based on a flow profile of the fluid discharged from the flow openings.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes at least one temperature measurement probe. The at least one temperature measurement probe includes at least one hollow filament configured to emit thermal radiation in a predetermined and substantially continuous wavelength band at least partially representative of a temperature of the at least one hollow filament. The at least one hollow filament has a first diameter and a first emissivity. The at least one temperature measurement probe also includes at least one thin filament extending within at least a portion of the at least one hollow filament. The at least one thin filament is configured to emit thermal radiation in a predetermined and substantially continuous wavelength band at least partially representative of a temperature of the at least one thin filament. The at least one thin filament has a second emissivity and a second diameter less than the first diameter.

Abstract: A temperature measurement system includes at least one temperature measurement probe. The at least one temperature measurement probe includes at least one hollow filament configured to emit thermal radiation in a predetermined and substantially continuous wavelength band at least partially representative of a temperature of the at least one hollow filament. The at least one hollow filament has a first diameter and a first emissivity. The at least one temperature measurement probe also includes at least one thin filament extending within at least a portion of the at least one hollow filament. The at least one thin filament is configured to emit thermal radiation in a predetermined and substantially continuous wavelength band at least partially representative of a temperature of the at least one thin filament. The at least one thin filament has a second emissivity and a second diameter less than the first diameter.

Abstract: An airfoil and method of cooling a airfoil including a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, a pressure side and at least one internal cooling channel configured to convey a cooling fluid, is provided. A plurality of trailing edge bleed slots are in fluid communication with the at least one internal cooling channel, wherein a downstream edge of the pressure side of the airfoil lies upstream of a downstream edge of the suction side to expose the plurality of trailing edge bleed slots proximate to the trailing edge of the airfoil. The at least one internal cooling channel is configured to supply the cooling fluid from a source of cooling fluid towards the plurality of trailing edge bleed slots. A plurality of obstruction features are disposed within the at least one internal cooling channel and at a downstream edge of the remaining pressure side.

Abstract: An airfoil and method of cooling a airfoil including a leading edge, a trailing edge, a suction side, a pressure side and at least one internal cooling channel configured to convey a cooling fluid, is provided. A plurality of trailing edge bleed slots are in fluid communication with the at least one internal cooling channel, wherein a downstream edge of the pressure side of the airfoil lies upstream of a downstream edge of the suction side to expose the plurality of trailing edge bleed slots proximate to the trailing edge of the airfoil. The at least one internal cooling channel is configured to supply the cooling fluid from a source of cooling fluid towards the plurality of trailing edge bleed slots. A plurality of obstruction features are disposed within the at least one internal cooling channel and at a downstream edge of the remaining pressure side.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a sight tube configured to optically communicate with an interior of a rotary machine via insertion within an inspection port. The sight tube includes a window and multiple openings configured to direct purge air across the window. The system also includes a curtain tube disposed about the sight tube and configured to direct purge air from a first air source to the openings via a first passage formed between an inner surface of the curtain tube and an outer surface of the sight tube. The curtain tube includes multiple outlets configured to direct curtain air around the window, and the curtain tube is configured to direct the curtain air from a second air source to the outlets via a second passage formed between an outer surface of the curtain tube and an inner surface of the inspection port.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an optical monitoring system configured to optically communicate with an interior of a rotary machine. The optical monitoring system is configured to redirect a field of view toward different regions of a component within the interior of the rotary machine while the rotary machine is in operation, and to capture an image of each region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a sight tube configured to optically communicate with an interior of a rotary machine via insertion within an inspection port. The sight tube includes a window and multiple openings configured to direct purge air across the window. The system also includes a curtain tube disposed about the sight tube and configured to direct purge air from a first air source to the openings via a first passage formed between an inner surface of the curtain tube and an outer surface of the sight tube. The curtain tube includes multiple outlets configured to direct curtain air around the window, and the curtain tube is configured to direct the curtain air from a second air source to the outlets via a second passage formed between an outer surface of the curtain tube and an inner surface of the inspection port.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes an optical monitoring system configured to optically communicate with an interior of a rotary machine. The optical monitoring system is configured to redirect a field of view toward different regions of a component within the interior of the rotary machine while the rotary machine is in operation, and to capture an image of each region.

Abstract: A fuel injector is coupled to an engine. The fuel injector includes an injection opening configured to vary in cross-section between a open state and a fully closed state. The fuel injector is configured to provide a plurality of discrete commanded fuel injections into an engine cylinder by modulating the size of the injection opening without completely closing the opening to the fully closed state.

Abstract: A fuel injector is coupled to an engine. The fuel injector includes an injection opening configured to vary in cross-section between a open state and a fully closed state. The fuel injector is configured to provide a plurality of discrete commanded fuel injections into an engine cylinder by modulating the size of the injection opening without completely closing the opening to the fully closed state.

Abstract: A system for measuring turbine bucket temperature in a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of optical detectors, such as a pyrometer and a spectrometer, and an optical switch for selectively directing radiation from turbine engine sight glass to any one of the optical detectors along a common line of sight. The optical switch preferably includes first and second blocks, with the optical detectors being disposed in the second block. A rotor is mounted between the first and second blocks for rotation about a rotational axis, and a fiber optic cable is provided having a first end located on the rotational axis and a second end offset from the rotational axis. Rotation of the rotor selectively positions the second end of the fiber optic cable adjacent to any one of the optical detectors.

Abstract: A wireless sensor assembly for circumferential monitoring of gas stream properties comprises a drive system attachable to a hot gas path housing. A rake is movably coupled to the drive system for unrestricted circumferential movement. At least one RF sensor is disposed on the rake for generating a signal responsive to the gas stream properties. Circuitry is provided for remotely powering the at least one RF sensor and for remotely detecting the signal.

Abstract: A wireless sensor assembly for circumferential monitoring of gas stream properties comprises a drive system attachable to a hot gas path housing. A rake is movably coupled to the drive system for unrestricted circumferential movement. At least one RF sensor is disposed on the rake for generating a signal responsive to the gas stream properties. Circuitry is provided for remotely powering the at least one RF sensor and for remotely detecting the signal.