An Integrated Physics-Based Framework for Detecting Precursor to Damage in Naval Structures

Aging aircraft commonly suffers from several types of degradation including fatigue cracking and lack of bonding. It is virtually impossible to predict degradation in structural performance or when a component or structure will fail due to the inability to test new material systems under all loading conditions and under all environmental conditions. A material state awareness system using minimalistic, powerful, distributed network of sensors and actuators needs to be developed to provide precise material state condition specification before any visual sign of damage develops. In this proposal, we propose to develop a quantitative structural health monitoring system based on a fiber-optic strain and Lamb waves interrogation technique combined with a multiscale modeling algorithm to predict damage precursor and perform crack detection and monitoring in aircraft and shipboard components with high accuracy and high sensitivity. During the Phase I and Phase I Option periods of this project, we will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a compact optical fiber-based structural health monitoring system combined with an integrated physics-based framework for detecting precursor to damage in Naval structures.