Abstract
A method for detecting blade impacts by foreign object debris (FOD) is described. The rationale derives from the knowledge that FOD is a major source for cost and maintenance penalty as it removes engines from service.1 The method exploits a property of some materials and coatings known as triboluminescence. Triboluminescence is light emission that results when a substance is impacted or fractured.2-4 The goal of this new approach is to accomplish a means of quantifying the received, accumulated flux of incident objects and their energies in order to assess the health of the impacted surface and aid intelligent decisions for maintenance. To effect an impact diagnostic, an amorphous coating of a triboluminescent material is applied to the surface of interest. When a foreign object impacts this surface, the characteristics of the resulting emission will contain information regarding the incident projectile. Some testing in NASA facilities at > 5km/s has indicated the potential for space debris and micrometeorite detection.4 This paper outlines a number of issues that need to be explored in route to a successful implementation for FOD applications.