In-Service Fatigue Loads Data Gathering with CSG

ABSTRACT: Landing Gear (LG) is one of the few critical elements which are not redundant and failure usually results in catastrophe. Current inspections center on macro aspects of fatigue in that they are only applicable during the crack propagation phase and fail to identify and sense stages of crack initiation on a micro-level to allow prevention and prognostication of critical breaks and failures. The Chameleon Skin Gauges (CSG) have been developed as part of Prognostica, a novel fatigue-sensing technology and demonstrated their capacity to determine fatigue life and damage on any component they are adhered to, regardless of its shape or material composition. This technology will be further developed to demonstrate its ability to accurately prognosticate the fatigue damage and crack propagation specifics on high strength steel LG components. BENEFIT: The Prognostica system possesses the capability to provide simple, real-time measurement of critical structure fatigue status and remaining life within design life cycle. Such information is thought to be of considerable significance to those responsible for the planning and execution of Integrated Logistics Support. Successful development and integration of Prognostica technology on Landing Gear components will allow its transition to other critical systems of the Aircraft as well as other Air Force and DoD weapon systems. Anticipated results in development and testing during Phase I will be of immediate use in advancing the inspection for LG component fatigue damage data gathering and providing recommendations for the extended full-scale testing.