The challenge of those involved in aircraft control system hardware development is to accommodate an ever-increasing complexity in aircraft control while limiting the size and weight of the components and improving system reliability. A technology that displays promise towards this ends is fiber optics. The primary advantages of employing optical fibers, passive optical sensors, and optically controlled actuators are weight/volume reduction, immunity from electromagnetic effects, high bandwidth capabilities, and freedom from short circuits/sparking contacts. Since 1975, NASA/Lewis has been performing in-house, and grant research in fiber optic sensors, high-temperature electro-optic switches, and 'fly-by-light' control system architecture. Passive optical sensor developments is an essential yet challenging area of work and has, therefore, received much attention during this period. A major effort to develop fly-by-light-control system technology, known as the 'Fiber Optic Control System Integration' (FOCSI) program, was initiated in 1985 as a cooperative effort between NASA and the DOD. Phase I of FOCSI, completed in 1986, was aimed at the design of a fiber optic integrated propulsion/flight control system. Phase II will provide subcomponent and system development and system testing. In addition to a summary of the benefits, the FOCSI program, sensor advances, and future directions in the NASA/Lewis program are discussed.


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    Title :

    Overview of NASA research in fiber optics for aircraft systems


    Additional title:

    Ueberblick ueber die faseroptische Forschung der NASA fuer Luftfahrtsysteme


    Contributors:
    Seng, G.T. (author)

    Published in:

    ISA Transactions ; 28 , 2 ; 25-29


    Publication date :

    1989


    Size :

    5 Seiten, 4 Bilder, 1 Tabelle, 8 Quellen



    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English