General Electric Company
SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MEASURING BLADE CLEARANCE IN A TURBINE ENGINE

Abstract:

A system for measuring a gap between a moving and stationary component of a turbine engine. The system comprises a turbine engine having a core with compressor, combustor, and turbine sections in axial flow arrangement, with at least one rotating blade mounted to a shaft in the compressor and turbine sections and a stationary casing surrounding the at least one blade. At least one surface acoustic wave sensor mounted on one of the at least one blades or casing and generating an electromagnetic signal. An antenna in communication with the surface acoustic wave sensor for receiving the electromagnetic signal; and a computer system configured to receive the electromagnetic signal from the antenna and to convert the electromagnetic signal to a clearance value.