Smart Sensor Network for Platform Structural Health Monitoring

Acellent proposes to develop a smart structural health monitoring (SHM) sensor network system that can withstand the aggressive operations environment. It will be capable of autonomously assessing, reliably in real time, the structural integrity of ground vehicle structures and components. A new SMART Layer?hybrid consisting of an improved piezoelectric sensor/actuator configuration (utilizing the proven SMART Layer?technology) will be used to monitor the integrity of welded connections, bolted connections, and possible corrosion in the structural members. With proper design and placement of the piezoelectric sensors/actuators, the Acellent system will be fully capable of detecting critical flaws due to fatigue, corrosion, or wear. The statistical information generated establishes a confident reliability for maintaining the structural integrity of ground vehicles through real-time monitoring. We will evaluate various existing sensor types, checking what parameters are required to specifically monitor the structural health of Army vehicles and bridging systems. The assessment will include number of sensors required, their size, total weight, and power requirements. In addition, a cost comparison between network design alternatives will be developed. Creation of a methodology for installing the sensor network in new Army platforms and retrofitting of existing Army platforms will also be included.