Health Conscious Structures for Zero-Maintenance Rotorcraft Platforms

We propose SHM technology integrated with multi-scale, multi-physics analysis to detect fatigue damage precur-sors. We will predict remaining useful life based on nondestructive information. In Phase I, we will investigate the capabilities of our sensing approach in both metallic and composite coupons. For metals emphasis will be given in implementing a multiscale experimental mechanics approach consisting of standard laboratory testing coupled with the multispectral approach developed at Drexel University. To complement this approach we will further perform experiments using miniature mechanical testing with microscopes for direct microstructure evolution measurements. Our approach will provide rich datasets to our computational models that will focus on two major objectives. The first is related to the use of computational mechanics approaches to produce simulation results that have the capability to replicate effects observed by our nondestructive measurements with the additional task to create modeling strategies to feed actual experimental data into such models. The second objective will be to use this approach in a prediction framework that will be based on Probabilistic Structural Risk Assessment (PSRA) and Bayesian updates to determine pathways towards remaining useful life estimates. Our plan for Phase II and commercialization of this approach will be further addressed.