On-board, Prognostic Micro-Structural Reliability Tool for Mechanical Systems

Technology for extending the life of fielded systems offers the potential for signification saving in total ownershipcosts. On-board monitoring and analysis offers the potential to instill increased confidence in prediction of fatigue or remaining usefullife on an individual system basis. This, in turn, offers the potential to reduce premature part retirement. The Phase I project demonstrated the feasibility for future use of an on-board microstructural-based prognostic system. Expanding on establishedsynergies with a pending DARPA/DSO Tractability Demonstration Program (TDP), the SBIR Phase II will allow VEXTEC the opportunity to demonstrate the prognostic capability on a simulated engine disk component and validate the prediction results with acquiredtest data. Also this Phase II will further address logistical concerns about the quality of data supplied by onboard sensors, data reliability, pre-processing or filtering requirements. This project includes development of a parameter measurement system,refinements to physics-based life prediction models, conduct of prognostics demonstration, and results evaluation.