Fiberoptic Component Failure Prediction System

We propose to develop a sensing system to monitor continuously the health status of aircraft critical mechanical components, including the software necessary for failure diagnosis, and prognosis of the components' remaining life. In order to achieve a lowcost, rugged and reliable system, fiberoptic sensors embedded on the critical components are proposed. The fiberoptic solution meets the stated requirements of small size and weight, and particularly extreme reliability because of freedom fromelectromagnetic interference. The sensors are passive, require no electrical power and are affixed to the exterior of the mechanical components, thus creating negligible interference to the surrounding equipment. The fiberoptic sensors monitor continuouslyvibration and temperature, and the collected data are then sent to a processing unit on the aircraft that does the diagnosis and the prognosis. The small size of the fibers allows penetration of the bulkhead between the engine nacelle and the cockpitwithout any weakening of the structure. A unique feature of the proposed fiberoptic sensing system is the elimination of costly electronic switches, scalability, adaptation to a variety of aircraft, and the ability to mesh in directly with both, currentcopper avionic buses, and future fiberoptic versions..