Next generation structural health monitoring and its integration into aircraft design

Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) has become increasingly important with regard to ageing aircraft, required enhanced performance and the need to reduce aircraft operational cost. Affordable advanced miniaturized sensors and continuous improvement in data processing technology combined with powerful software algorithms has allowed non-destructive testing (NDT) to become an integral part of structural materials and has thus given structures a self-sensing functionality. This paper describes where to integrate SHM into the aircraft design process and how to validate the established loads monitoring process in comparison to an emerging damage monitoring solution, before more precisely describing a technology selection regarding damage monitoring. Acousto-ultrasonics is a technique being especially emphasized. Results from laboratory experiments will be shown and commented and a perspective of future trends will be given.