ABSTRACT
NASA aeronautical research is focused on a myriad of technologies including those that involve embedding high-performance sensing and control in gas turbine engine systems. Future aeronautic propulsion systems are challenged to meet increasing requirements for reduced maintenance and emissions, improved capability, and increased safety. The inclusion of in situ computational and control capabilities into the propulsion system operation can significantly enable advances in propulsion technology. However, the use of conventional electronics is problematic given the high-temperature and harsh environments typical within an engine. This chapter discusses the use and potential of extreme environment electronics and their impact on associated sensor systems to enable more intelligent engine systems with a distributed control architecture resulting in improved engine capabilities.
