Project Title:

Aircraft Health Monitoring System

04.06-0533
NAS1-19014
Aircraft Health Monitoring System
Innovative Dynamics
	244 Langmuir Lab, Cornell Research Park
	Ithaca, NY 14850-1296
		Gail A. Hickman
(607-257-0533)

Abstract:

	The company has developed a unique, thin-film sensor design that when integrated
with a structural member could detect fatigue cracks, corrosion, and ice accretion
as well as external pressure variations indicative of an impending wing stall.  These
sensors and signal processing software can be integrated into an advanced health
monitoring system (HMS) to extend significantly the life span of the aging, commercial
aircraft fleet.  Based on the concept of smart structures, the HMS is designed to
emulate the human nervous system.  An array of sensors ("nerves") located throughout
the aircraft structure will be connected by a common data bus or network to a signal
processing chip ("brain").  The HMS will continuously scan sensor arrays integral
with the aircraft skin.  By monitoring the structural vibration signatures induced
under normal aerodynamic loading, the HMS will determine structural abnormalities
through pattern recognition techniques.  When an abnormality is detected, the system
will identify it, log the time and location, and issue a warning.  This system has
the potential for lifetime monitoring of structural properties and providing real-time,
non-destructive evaluation in flight.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:	In addition to extending the life of commercial
aircraft, this technology may also find application in monitoring strain in large
structures, such as buildings, ships, storage tanks, dams, bridges, and in monitoring
earthquakes.