Innovative Method for Strain Sensor Calibration on Fleet Aircraft Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-025 Topic Title: Innovative Method for Strain Sensor Calibration on Fleet Aircraft Proposal No.: N081-025-1257 Firm: ATA Engineering, Inc 11995 El Camino Real Suite 200 San Diego, California 92130 Contact: Kevin Napolitano Phone: (858) 480-2030 Web Site: www.ata-e.com Abstract: This proposal addresses the development of a new strain gage calibration methodology to help increase the accuracy of structural life estimation in naval aircraft. After understanding the current fatigue life testing procedures, we will develop economical and time-efficient loading mechanisms to be used to calibrate strain gages on different aircraft. To minimize potential errors, an experimental sensitivity study will be performed to maximize the consistency of the loading mechanisms. The result of the Phase I effort will be a robust design of a system that will be fully implemented in Phase II. Benefits: The methods developed in this program will provide an efficient, easy-to-implement means to calibrate sensors mounted on an airframe to the fatigue test article so that accurate tracking of remaining structural life can be performed. Both legacy aircraft with limited numbers of sensors and new aircraft which incorporate more sophisticated Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) systems can all benefit from this calibration methodology. The aim of the PHM systems is to effectively allow the aircraft to self-monitor and report maintenance requirements to ground-based systems. Effective implementation of these systems has the potential to reduce lifetime maintenance costs by up to 30% compared to existing aircraft but careful calibration is required. New aircraft which can benefit from this include JSF for the military, Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 for the large commercial airline industry, and aircraft such as the Eclipse 500 for the small private airplane industry. In addition, reusable rocket-powered vehicles such as SpaceShip Two and Rocketplane which are being developed for the emerging industry of space tourism will require careful structural loads monitoring and calibration due to the harsh dynamic environments they will experience during a typical flight profile. Return