Non-contact Torque and Load Monitoring Using Magnetic Stress Gage Networks

This proposal addresses the need for a noncontact torque measurement capability to reduce uncertainties in remaining life estimates for rotorcraft parts, to support Condition Based Maintenance decisions, and to enable individual component life management. The proposed method uses JENTEK’s Magnetic Stress Gage Networks with rapid multivariate inverse methods that will provide a practical method for noncontact torque monitoring that can be easily retrofitted to legacy platforms, as well as new rotorcraft. It will offer a means for validating and periodically recalibrating the Magnetic Stress Gage system on the ground, or in flight. In the Phase I effort, we will develop a preliminary torque monitoring capability, perform laboratory noncontact torque measurement tests to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach, develop robust calibration and recalibration methods, and investigate the use of noncontact torque measurement data as an input to algorithms for remaining fatigue life estimation. We will also develop a detailed Phase II transition plan, design the Phase II full-scale demonstration, investigate scale up issues, and evaluate other torque measurement methods. Several major OEMs have expressed their interest in the proposed approach and the demand for a solution suitable for legacy platforms, such as the CH-47 and H-60, is substantial.