| Summary: |
Ultrasound based NDE techniques, energy harvesting and wireless sensor networks are being increasingly demonstrated to be effective in monitoring damage in aerospace components at a laboratory setting (TRL 3). These components include critical elements such as airframe, engines, landing gears and control surfaces. However there is an urgent need to integrate these approaches and techniques at the inception of an aircraft. This COST Action will bring together the top European experts across these areas to support the development of an integrated framework for optimised self-sensing structures capable of diagnosis and prognosis, together with demonstrators and educational activities, including training programs, which will ultimately lead to cleaner and safer skies. This Action will maximise the full benefit of in service, continuous monitoring of critical aerospace structures by integrating ultrasonic wave based non-destructive evaluation (NDE), energy harvesting and wireless sensor technologies at the design conception phase. Optimisation (sensor/structure), computational modelling, advanced signal processing and advanced design approaches will be integrated to produce a novel framework, design tools and guidelines for the delivery of the first generation of self-sensing aircraft capable of delivering accurate structural prognosis. This will improve maintenance strategies, increase asset availability, bridge the gap between research and industry, enable increased the use of advanced materials, reduce operating costs and ultimately deliver safer and greener air transport solutions. |