Opportunities and challenges of MEMS technology in the environment of intelligent aero-engines

To develop an intelligent aero-engine, which can adjust its components adaptively based on working conditions, more sensors, actuators, computation processors etc. are needed. Due to their big size and heavy mass, the traditional sensors and actuators will have restrictions when they are used on board considering the compact and limited space inside the aero-engine. This paper reviewed the current statues of MEMS's (micro-electro-mechanical system) application in the environment of intelligent aero-engines. These application fields of MEMS in aero-engine environment included: active flow control, active burning control, health monitoring of structure and lubricating system etc. With the development of MEMS technology, MEMS sensors and actuators will play a more important role in the intelligent engine environment.