Embedded Health Monitoring for Propulsion Control System Actuators Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-094 Topic Title: Embedded Health Monitoring for Propulsion Control System Actuators Proposal No.: N052-094-0081 Firm: Sentient Corporation 850 Energy Drive Idaho Falls, Idaho 83401 Contact: Sean Marble Phone: (208) 524-4865 Abstract: The latent degradation of precision control system actuators affects dynamic performance and can push the performance characteristics of the actuator out of the regime needed for stable operation of the aircraft control system. Current system-level methods are not sensitive enough to actuator degradation and have no ability to isolate the fault to a specific sub-component or provide an estimate of capability. Sentient Corporation, in cooperation with Pratt & Whitney, will apply subsystem-level performance and fault models to improve fault detection, isolation, and sensitivity for propulsion system actuators. Uncertainty in actuator loading will be reduced by utilizing a load estimator based on engine performance models and augmented with online adaptation algorithms leveraged from the DARPA prognosis program. Phase I will focus on development and demonstration of improved actuator fault and load models. By the end of Phase II, a functional prototype health monitoring system will be demonstrated for a selected JSF propulsion system actuator. Benefits: Improved actuator fault detection and isolation will enhance PHM capability and fault detection sensitivity and allow for the determination of fault severity. The ability to accurate characterize the faulted dynamic performance of the actuator will also permit reconfigurable control, allowing all of the actuator's capability and life to be utilized. Return