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Intelligent Multi-Sensing Structural Health Monitoring Infrastructure

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Air Force
Contract: F49620-03-C-0083
Agency Tracking Number: F033-0227
Amount: $99,946.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2003
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
46 Second St.
Cambridge, MA 02141
United States
DUNS: 111487588
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Seth Kessler
 President
 (617) 661-5616
 skessler@metisdesign.com
Business Contact
 Seth Kessler
Title: President
Phone: (617) 661-5616
Email: skessler@metisdesign.com
Research Institution
 MIT
 Donald Sadoway
 
77 Massachusetts Av, bldg 8-109
Cambridge, MA 02139
United States

 (617) 253-3487
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is an emerging technology leading to the development of systems capable of continuously monitoring structures for damage, with minimal human intervention. There are several components required to design a successful SHMsystem, including sensors, communication and power systems. Current SHM efforts have focused mainly on sensing methods for damage detection, however the infrastructure needed to employ these methods has not been sufficiently addressed. In response tothis STIR solicitation for wireless SHM sensor technology, Metis Design, with the help of MicroStrain, MIT, and the Air Force Research Laboratory at Hill AFB, plan to develop of each appropriate component to meet SHM system requirements, and integrate theminto an operational prototype. During previous research at MDC, optimal piezoelectric sensors were developed, and wave-scans were performed to detect damage in several composite geometries. The work plan for this Phase I work leverages these results todefine a system architecture, develop wireless chips and thin-film batteries, and integrate each of these components. The AFRL will assist in delineating system requirements and facilitating the final proof testing. As part of a Phase II effort, thecapabilities of each component will be enhanced, moving towards a device that could be commercialized. One of the key factors to the marketability of a SHM system is its versatility; the ability not only to be integrated into new applications but to beretrofitted into an existing system with little work. Airlines that chose to use these systems would be able to reduce the number and time of required inspections (SHM systems fall within the provisions of current FAA directives), giving them theopportunity to capture profit due to more up-time. Another important aerospace market would be for expendable launch vehicles (ELV) to facilitate launch/no-launch decisions, due to damage sustained during vehicle assembly or sitting on the pad. Ofprobably greatest importance, SHM systems will be a key technology for reusable launch vehicles for quick turn around times, to avoid lengthy tear down inspections.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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