Integrating nondestructive inspections with autonomic logistics and structural health monitoring strategies for aeronautic systems

In recent years, there has been much activity concerning health management of aviation systems. Many government- and industry-based research projects/programs are focused on integrated vehicle health management strategies that include sensor development for automated or manual fault detection, diagnostics, prognostics to define remaining useful life, as well as mitigation plans for continued safe operation during a fault. The overall objectives for such activities include increased safety as well as efficient and economic operation of an aircraft fleet. Currently, to assess structural faults, visual inspections and/or nondestructive inspection techniques are utilized as a required routine for certain design and life management strategies. The inspections are manually involved and are carried out during aircraft downtime (e.g. on the runway or nightly hangar maintenance) or during a more extensive aircraft overhaul. Even with the potential of automated structural health monitoring within an integrated vehicle health management system, it is foreseen that manual and nondestructive inspections will continue to be an integral part of fleet life management. This article addresses and clarifies the role of nondestructive inspections in aircraft life management and its potential inclusion in future integrated vehicle health management systems.