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Apparatus and related method for sensing cracks in rotating engine blades

  • US 7,696,893 B2
  • Filed: 10/05/2007
  • Issued: 04/13/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/05/2007
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting cracks or structural breaks in the body of rotating compressor blades of an engine, comprising:

  • a) embedding electrically conductive carbon fibers in the body of said blades;

    b) connecting in series the fibers embedded in all the said blades;

    c) embedding at least one magnet at a position along the periphery of a casing enclosing said blades for generating a magnetic field;

    d) creating an electric circuit along the embedded network of carbon fibers when the blades are rotating under the influence of the magnetic field;

    e) detecting a break in said electric circuit caused by the occurrence of a crack or a structural break at a location in one of said blades.

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