Multi-Material System Health Monitoring for DD(X)

Shipboard condition assessment and structural integrity monitoring for multifunctional, multi-material systems cannot be adequately addressed by conventional nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods. This proposed Phase I will develop hybrid methods that integrate multiple sensing modalities (e.g. thermal and magnetic) to address the unique health monitoring needs of multi-material systems. This effort will develop key technologies required for monitoring damage (e.g., fatigue, delaminations/disbands, corrosion) and usage (e.g. temperature and stress) states using networks of JENTEK's proprietary MWM (inductive) and IDED (capacitive) sensors as well as integration with other sensing modalities (e.g. ultrasound and thermal) as needed. Data fusion will be accomplished using JENTEK's proprietary model-based Grid Methods to self-consistently monitor multiple unknown properties of multi-material systems. We have assembled a team with expertise in key areas to support successful implementation of a wireless, structural damage assessment and monitoring capability for DD(X). Wireless data acquisition will be integrated into the solution with the support of Oceana Sensors, and Northrop Grumman will be part of this team effort by providing engineering guidance and problem definition support. This Phase I effort will identify specific DD(X) needs and will include a demonstration of capability with a material construct representative of a high priority DD(X) structural element.