Multi-Material System Health Monitoring for DD(X) Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-054 Topic Title: Multi-Material System Health Monitoring for DD(X) Proposal No.: N051-054-1110 Firm: JENTEK Sensors, Inc. 110-1 Clematis Avenue Waltham, Massachusetts 02453-7013 Contact: Neil Goldfine Phone: (781) 642-9666 Abstract: Shipboard condition assessment and structural integrity monitoring for multifunctional, multi-material systems cannot be adequately addressed by conventional nondestructive inspection (NDI) methods. This proposed Phase I will develop hybrid methods that integrate multiple sensing modalities (e.g. thermal and magnetic) to address the unique health monitoring needs of multi-material systems. This effort will develop key technologies required for monitoring damage (e.g., fatigue, delaminations/disbands, corrosion) and usage (e.g. temperature and stress) states using networks of JENTEK's proprietary MWM (inductive) and IDED (capacitive) sensors as well as integration with other sensing modalities (e.g. ultrasound and thermal) as needed. Data fusion will be accomplished using JENTEK's proprietary model-based Grid Methods to self-consistently monitor multiple unknown properties of multi-material systems. We have assembled a team with expertise in key areas to support successful implementation of a wireless, structural damage assessment and monitoring capability for DD(X). Wireless data acquisition will be integrated into the solution with the support of Oceana Sensors, and Northrop Grumman will be part of this team effort by providing engineering guidance and problem definition support. This Phase I effort will identify specific DD(X) needs and will include a demonstration of capability with a material construct representative of a high priority DD(X) structural element. Benefits: A wireless, structural damage assessment and monitoring system for DD(X) will improve mission readiness and help to achieve force multiplication goals by providing increased knowledge and understanding of the structural state of the ship. This understanding will be generated through earlier detection and enhanced observability, while reducing manpower costs over conventional methods. Wireless structural damage assessment and monitoring capability will become integral to civil infrastructure, such as bridges and tunnels, as well as commercial ships. Return