3 Day Open Conference

Embedded health monitoring strategies for aircraft wiring systems
Tuesday 18th November 2008
12.00 - 12.20
Auditorium 2

Health and usage monitoring of structures and active systems has received a wealth of attention in recent years. Microsystems are seen as a core technology for the realisation of these monitors as they offer the potential for multi-sensor integration with active electronics, wireless connectivity and in the future a self-powering capability. This paper focuses on solutions for aircraft wiring systems where in-situ detection of degradation and incipient failure would deliver improved safety and enhanced maintenance efficiency leading to a prognostic capability. Wiring onboard of legacy aircraft is becoming a liability due to prolonged in service life and an increasing possibility of both hard and intermittent wiring faults. The detection of such faults is often time consuming and problematic, resulting in higher maintenance costs and reduced aircraft availability. Several novel approaches are presented to the problem of wire degradation detection in terms of both test and monitoring strategies. Both electric and mechanical methods will be presented together with simulation and experimental results.

About the Speaker(s):

Dr Alistair Sutherland
Research and Development Manager
Ultra Electronics BCF, UK

Dr Alistair Sutherland is Research and Development Manager for Ultra Electronics BCF. Ultra Electronics BCF specialises in the design and supply of first line/operational level electronic ground support equipment for the military and civil aerospace markets. The company is leading the development and commercialisation of smart miniature electronic devices having the ability to intelligently monitor the electrical health and environment of aircraft structures and wiring systems during flight.