Advanced Vibration Monitoring Diagnostics and Prognostics Techniques

"The objective of this proposal is to revolutionize turbine engine vibration monitoring and health assessment by developing a system to perform accurate, reliable, vibration-based, real-time monitoring while recording at least 20 hours of health signaturesfor further analysis. This proposed system will use a combination of several technologies: (1) turbine engine computer models such as Finite Element Models, (2) a micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) accelerometer, (3) digital signal processingusing Wavelet transform and decomposition, (4) Artificial Neural Networks to categorize turbine component faults, (5) wireless technology for sensor network and data communication, and (6) user friendly graphic user interfacing (GUI) technology. To providediagnostic and prognostic capabilities and reduce the false alarm rate to zero, Williams-Pyro. Inc. will apply the latest technologies such as (1) Phase-Locked Loop for Transient Speed, (2) Wavelet Analysis, (3) a Neural Network reasoning system, (4)Fracture Mechanics based on a Finite Element Model, and (5) Wideband Micro Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS). Using recent technologies, WPI's proposed system can greatly reduce the time and monetary investments necessary to perform aircraftmaintenance and ensure that turbine engine components do not fail during flight and/or operation. Commercialization at WPI is generally a 5-part process. The first step is to host a product demons