Strain Gage Calibration Using Response to Dynamic Input (STURDI) Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.1 Topic No.: N08-025 Topic Title: Strain Gage Calibration Using Response to Dynamic Input (STURDI) Proposal No.: N081-025-0268 Firm: Impact Technologies, LLC 200 Canal View Blvd Rochester, New York 14623 Contact: Carl Palmer Phone: (585) 424-1990 Web Site: www.impact-tek.com Abstract: Impact Technologies, with support from the prime JSF manufacturer, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, proposes to develop and demonstrate a system for in-situ calibration of strain sensors on in-service fleet aircraft that are used for structural life tracking. Key tasks in Phase I include: 1) Full definition of the performance specifications and constraints (e.g. safety) that the calibration technology must meet; 2) Selection of potential dynamic input technologies to test - this will include response to low levels of localized periodic forcing functions and controlled impact events; 3) Design and manufacture of test fixtures that adequately reproduce key aircraft structures found where strain gages would be placed in the target aircraft; 4) Creation of an analytical model of the structure to understand the fundamental physics involved and estimate the system's sensitivity to changes in various input parameters; 5) Testing of the various dynamic calibration technologies by comparing the dynamic response features to response to static loads (i.e. the known baseline); 6) Demonstration of the ability of the techniques and calculation of accuracy in `blind' tests for the Navy; and 7) Analyzing the potential of the technology to meet Navy goals in Phase II and beyond. Benefits: The developed STURDI strain gage calibration technology will be an integral enabler for JSF life usage / maintenance logistics applications. This will help the JSF program meet its aggressive goals in maintenance cost reductions, such as a 50% reduction in MTBM when compared to legacy aircraft. However, the system should be generally applicable to any mechanical part or structure which is currently replaced on a time or `cycles' basis, but whose `useful life' is actually driven by the time history of its usage. These applications include wide range of legacy military and commercial fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. Other applications for STURDI may include missile life monitoring and highly-loaded vehicle and machinery applications. The base technology will be general enough that it should be of high interest to strain gage manufacturers, who could offer it as a complementary product to their base sensor. Return