1 - Integrated vehicle health management in aerospace structures

Abstract

To meet the expected increase in demand for air and space transportation over the next several decades, new technologies will be needed to sustain the safe and efficient operation of these vehicles. Structural health monitoring and inspection methods allow early detection of damage or degradation to critical components, enabling corrective action can be taken so vehicle components can safely and economically perform their intended function. Integrated vehicle health management allows current and future vehicles to safely and efficiently operate in harsh environments and to meet operational requirements. Probabilistic health assessment and predictive modeling methods allow the safe and efficient design and operation of aerospace vehicles without being overly conservative. Combining predictive models with continuous health monitoring assures decision-makers that these models accurately reflect the state of a vehicle over its entire lifetime, allowing simulation-based systems engineering models to be used as an effective tool for ensuring mission success.