A CAD-Programmable Environment for Developing CBM Systems for Rotorcraft

The objective of the Phase II research is to utilize the lessons learned from the Phase I risk reduction work to develop a prototype CAD-programmable environment for the development of condition-based maintenance systems for rotorcraft. This developmentenvironment features a CAD scenario modeler for constructing, via click n' drag modeling, fault-to-failure damage models which can account for the effects of usage, as well as anomalous or faulted conditions, on the remaining useful life of mechanicalsystems. Key features of the software system are:1. Quantifies structural reliability on an absolute basis using advanced probabilistic methodology.2. Compatible with the vagaries of each manufacturer's methodology to facilitate industry wide acceptance.3. Multi-modal operation as (a) damage computation kernel for HUMS base station, (b) research tool for the development of fault-to-failure damage models for predictive diagnostics systems, (c) CAD-based programming environment for development of predictivediagnostics algorithms for embedded prognostics systems, and (d) run-time kernel for embedded prognostics systems.The availability of this tool will facilitate the development of rotorcraft condition-based maintenance systems with the predictive diagnostics capabilities to determine the remaining useful life when anomalies or faulted conditions are encountered.Approach promises significant reductions in life cycle costs by eliminating unnecessary equipment retirement at a preset life, while also protecting against premature failures due to anomalous or faulted conditions. The approach also promises significantincreases in equipment readiness levels, by detecting and tracking the progression of damage due to anomalous or faulted conditions so that appropriate preventive action can be taken on a timely basis.