Acoustic Emission Monitor for Drive System Coupling Crack Detection

CATE Enterprises proposes to address the problem posed in Navy SBIR topic N03-029, Acoustic Emission Monitor for Drive System Coupling Crack Detection.Lucas diaphragm-type couplings in the V-22 Osprey can develop cracks that are not detectable by ordinary vibration sensors in the early stage of crack growth.CATE Enterprises proposes to develop a real-time monitoring system to detect cracks in diaphragm couplings based on acoustic emissions. Desirable features of the proposed system include the following characteristics:,h Early detection of cracks in couplings,h Ability to track the propagation and growth of cracks,h High probability of crack detection,h Low probability of false alarm,h Small size, light weight and low cost,h Low power requirementsCATE proposes to consult with the engineering staff at Lucas Aerospace Power Transmission (now part of Goodrich) in Rome, NY as well as Bell Helicopter regarding the design and potential failure mechanisms of the Lucas couplings. Bell and Lucas have agreedto act as subcontracting consultants in this role. Development of robust technology for detecting cracks in Lucas couplings in the proposed SBIR project could lead to a commercially viable system that could be used in commercial as well as military aircraft equipped with diaphragm couplings.Additionally, this technology can be used to augment other fleet maintenance projects already being developed by CATE to record and track every item discrepancy reported for each aircraft and type of aircraft in a fleet.