CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/546021
AUGUST 2015 42 CompositesWorld SHM moves from structural testing to an FAA-qualifed inspection alternative that reduces cost, streamlines operations and will mature toward lighter, more robust smart structures. » Structural health monitoring (SHM), essentially, involves a nondestructive testing (NDT) system that integrates sensors into a structure to enable contin- uous or periodic inspection. Te resulting data enable operators to identify the initiation and growth of damage in situ — without the expense or time required to take the structure out of service, then disassemble and manually inspect it. Ideally, it also determines the damage type, location and size as well as the struc- ture's health prognosis. When CW last explored the range of developing SHM technologies, in 2008 (see "Learn More," p. 49), it reported that some were nearing commercial readiness. Since then, the Aerospace Industry Steering Committee SHM-AISC was formed and frst met in 2009. Its members — all the major aircraft OEMs as well as opera- tors, regulators and technology suppliers — are striving to standardize SHM inte- gration and certifcation requirements and to mature systems for widespread use. Tey achieved a critical milestone in 2013 with guidelines for SHM implementa- tion on fxed-wing aircraft, published by SAE International (Warrendale, PA, US) as Aerospace Recommended Practice ARP-6461. Today, SHM systems are well proven By Ginger Gardnier / Senior Editor Structural health monitoring: NDT-integrated aerostructures enter service