Wireless Technology for Structural-Health Monitoring

This STTR project is to develop technology for self-powered, self-contained structural health monitoring sensor patch to estimate structural damage and transmit results, namely, Wireless Active Structural Health Monitoring System (WASHMS) . StructuralHealth Monitoring (SHM) is an important element in improving the reliability of aerospace weapon systems. SHM has the potential to extend the life and reduce the maintenance cost of the Air Force weapon systems. Under this STTR project, a system/techniquecomprised of an impedance-based and self-powered active sensor, signal telemetry device, signal process/analysis, and damage information display device/technique shall be developed. The phase I effort will be focused on developing a prototype system thatincorporates the above functions into a single chip of relatively small size. The prototype will be demonstrated on a sample aircraft panel to illustrate its effectiveness. The phase II will consist of the full-scale development (FSD) of WASHMS technologyfor practical applications to weapon systems, and will include sub-element and component testing and demonstration. The technology developed under the phase I of this STTR project will be used for the full-scale development of the WASHMS technology foraerospace weapon systems. When the technology is fully devloped under the phase II, the system/technique will be applicable to not only aerospace weapon systems structures, but also commercial aircraft and rotorcraft, space launch vehicles, civilinfrastuctures, etc.