Structural Health Monitoring

As the functionality and complexity of adaptive structures evolves, the ability to monitor structural health becomes increasingly important. The capability to observe structural states in real-time allows immediate feedback which can be used to detect damage and determine the health of system components.

NextGen is exploring approaches using reliable high-density distributed sensors on flexible substrates that can be seamlessly integrated into aircraft structures, thereby allowing a means of combining sensors and structures in such a way as to provide accurate data without compromising structural integrity.

Ultimately, such monitoring systems will enable flight vehicles with cognitive-like capabilities, including the ability to internally assess damage and make decisions based upon this information. Eventually, such technology will enable levels of autonomous vehicle operations well beyond that available today.

Health Monitoring

–  Printed Electronic Processing for Structural Integrity (PEPSI)

–  Space-Qualified Health Monitoring

–  Wireless MEMS

–  Wire Insulation Incorporating Self-Healing Polymers (WIISP)

–  Integrated System Health Management (ISHM)