A Structural Health Monitoring Software Tool for Optimization, Diagnostics and Prognostics

Development of robust structural health monitoring (SHM) sensors and hardware alone is not sufficient to achieve desired benefits such as improved asset availability and reduced sustainment costs. For SHM systems to be practically deployed as part of an integrated system health management (ISHM), tools must be created for SHM lifecycle management (LCM). To that end, SHM-LCM software has been developed to expedite the adoption of SHM into ISHM. The SHM-LCM software is a flexible application intended to manage the cradle-to-grave lifecycle of an SHM system for generic applications. There are 4 core modules to facilitate critical roles: Optimization Calibration, Visualization, and Action. The Optimization module seeks to devise optimal sensor placement and excitation parameters in order to achieve probability of detection (POD) coverage requirements. The Calibration module is designed to guide a user through a series of material level tests in order to customize algorithm variables to the system being designed. The Visualization module is dedicated to generating a diagnostic composite picture based on data downloaded from the diagnostic server, which is stitched to the original 3D mesh, providing users with a manipulatable GUI to toggle between probability of damage distributions for various calibrated damage modes. Finally The Action module generates residual performance plots (ultimate load or deflection for example) as a function of probability of damage, so detection confidence can be weighed against impact to the vehicle's capabilities. SHMLCM software will enable SHM systems to be incorporated into ISHM by engineers rather than experts, making the technology more accessible, and commercially practical. To be presented at the Proceedings of the 3nd Annual Conference of the Prognostics and Health Management Society, 25-29 September 2011, Montreal, Quebec