Microelectronical Devices for the Health Monitoring of Nonstructural Materials

The objective of this proposal is to take advantage of advancements in micro-electronics and develop micro-electromechanical device-based sensors (MEMS) for in-situ health monitoring and damage detection of coatings and tribological components (i.e. ball and rolling element bearings) for military aircrafts and space systems. This investigation will include: i) review of existing research on low temperature (140oC) and high temperature (300oC) radio frequency (RF) MEMS temperature and strain telemeters, ii) continued development and advancement of currently available radio temperature, strain and resistive continuity telemeters technology in Innovative Design & Technology Ltd. (ID&T) to MEMS scale and iii) and collaboration with Air Force personnel and a gas turbine engine manufacturers to determine the realistic operating conditions (i.e. speed, etc.) for application and use of our technology. Technology currently available in ID&T will provide the impetus for unique imbedded MEMS for intelligent condition based health monitoring of coatings and machine components. This technology will provide the critical knowledge necessary for smart condition monitoring, detect imminent failure, extend useful life and make obsolete scheduled maintenance. The key personnel and the PI for this project will be Mrs. Brenda Sadeghi President of ID&T who will work closely with Dr. Farshid Sadeghi, the VP of R&D at Innovative Design & Technology, Ltd (ID&T). ID&T will work closely with Professors Dimitrios Peroulis and Saeed Mohammadi of Purdue University (PU)'s Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). ID&T plans to hire up to four new employees for Phase II of this project.