Fibre-Optic Pressure Sensor For Internal Combustion Engines

This paper describes the development of a fibre-optic in-cylinder pressure transducer for internal combustion engines. The device is intended as a lower cost alternative to conventional piezo-electric pressure sensors which are widely used in engine development work. The current application identified is for a device with a full scale deflection of 150 bar for use in the development of advanced diesel engine control systems for cars and light vans. By suitable choice of materials the sensor has potential applications in the aerospace and industrial fields, for example the instrumentation of jet engines.