Embedded Long Service Life Monitoring System for Aluminum Alloy Sensitization

The Navy is adopting more extensive use of aluminum to achieve the mission requirements of high-speed combatant and non-combatant vessels such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV). Although AA5XXX series alloys have excellent marine corrosion resistance, sensitization can cause susceptibility to intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. To maximize structural performance and improve damage detection capabilities, Luna will fully develop and deliver prototype systems for in situ shipboard monitoring of degree of sensitization (DoS). The open architecture, autonomous system will provide for accurate and reliable alloy condition monitoring. The system can be interfaced with Navy maintenance network systems such as ICAS. These wired or wireless network devices are also compatible with a variety of energy harvesting technologies for long term unattended operation. This technology is supported by Luna's commercial miniature, low cost, modular sensing platform that has broad applications in structural and equipment health monitoring.