Damage Tracking for Helicopters

The goal of this Phase I SBIR proposal is to design and build energy harvesting wireless sensing systems suitable for use aboard Navy Helicopters. The program will begin with a survey of typical vibration data obtained during flight testing; these data will then be used to optimize our existing vibration energy harvesting wireless sensors (VEWS) for use on Navy helicopters. These software programmable systems will be designed to serve a range of vehicle health management functions, such as: embedded test & evaluation (ET&E), health usage monitoring (HUMS), and structural health monitoring (SHM). During Phase I, our wireless data logging transceiver nodes will be upgraded with improved software programmable sampling modes, including high sample rate "burst" modes and lower sample rate "periodic" modes. Improved, micro-power timing capabilities shall be developed to facilitate scheduled operations under conditions of very low vibration or rest. Prototype quantities of the enhanced Phase I nodes will be produced and tested under vibration and thermal conditions which mimic the helicopter environment. In Phase I Option period, we will enable advanced digital encryption. We will also collaborate with Goodrich to develop a VEWS specification for wireless interface to existing vehicle health management systems, and identify key transition opportunities.