Smart Sensor Hub for Corrosion Monitoring

Luna is developing a smart sensor hub for aircraft corrosion monitoring. The sensor hub is part of a complete corrosion monitoring system for detecting early stages of corrosion and estimating corrosive severity. The smart sensor hub performs wireless network communications, transducer communications, and data processing. It is also controls power management for the transducer circuitry and energy scavenging devices to maximize service life. The sensor hub is based on an open architecture, configurable interface with loading options that accommodate the widest possible range of sensors. Sensor validation, data fusion, and diagnostic algorithms can be embedded in the sensor hub processor for reliable and efficient operation. When fully developed, Luna’s corrosion monitoring system will have the capacity to fuse diverse datasets for improved damage state awareness, and reduced uncertainty in measuring corrosion and estimating remaining useful life. During the Phase I program, Luna has demonstrated the functional elements of the smart sensor hub using a complete breadboard system that includes power management, control, communication, and data storage. Luna has also demonstrated corrosion and environmental sensors for detecting and monitoring early stage corrosion damage of aircraft alloys.