Advanced Capabilities in Difficult Measurement Situations

In a 2007 IEEE Aerospace Conference Paper, a Robust Laser Interferometer (RLI) based Prognostic Health Monitoring (PHM) approach was examined from various information sensitive opportunity viewpoints, addressing high volume data measurement concerns. Previously, a series of earlier IEEE AeroSpace Conference Papers had provided baseline augmenting information, with a focus on the specific technical characteristics of an RLI PHM system approach. In this paper, various examples are presented that address the potential of an RLI PHM system approach to enable advanced capabilities in difficult measurement situations. In particular, measurement data is presented and assessed with respect to current contact sensing practice in at least the following areas: i) low frequency vibrations (approaching 0 Hertz) situations; ii) large dynamic range measurement situations; iii) situations related to obtaining measurement data when difficult surfaces (e.g. high voltage) are involved; iv) measurement when electromagnetic interference (EMI) is a concern; v) high frequency vibration measurement situations related to 'component/system' design; and vi) situations where acoustic emissions (AE) measurement information, particularly in a complex environment, is sought.