Synchronized Wireless Accelerometer Network (SWAN)

The need for miniature sensor devices that can acquire vibration data associated with military flight testing is promoting the use of emerging technologies in innovative wireless instrumentation systems. When combined with aircraft diagnostic and prognostic systems, aircraft safety can be enhanced, total cost of ownership can be reduced and asset availability can be increased. These sensor devices must be autonomous and non-intrusive. "Autonomy" is defined as a self-powered device with its own transducer that communicates its data without wires. "Non-intrusive" is defined as a bonded or magnetic attachment to a gearbox, shaft, or airframe, and the subsequent removal without shape or structural damage. The innovation proposed in this document is a robust network of synchronized wireless sensors that will acquire aircraft flight data. The system will provide the capability for monitoring of critical locations within the propulsion system or airframe and will expedite flight data acquisition by simplifying measurement system installations. The use of these devices will also reduce the cost of test equipment setup, which will result in lower cost aircraft testing. The modular nature provides a clear path toward the integration of numerous transducer families, and the open architecture will embrace emerging transducer technologies as they mature.