This proposed project will attempt to develop a data analysis system for structural health monitoring on space structures. The data analysis software will be a key component in space vehicle health management system and can be used to in vehicle life prediction. The sensor data analysis algorithm is aimed at providing a modeling and simulation tool for data collected from a network of distributed sensors. The sensor network can be implemented via the state-of-the-art technology of distributed wireless dust network. A novel algorithm combining measurement data from the sensors and the analytical model based on the concept of finite element analysis is proposed and the feasibility of the algorithm to detect structural damage will be tested in this project. The project will focus on the impedance-based nondestructive damage evaluation technique. However, the algorithm can be extended to handle other types of sensor data such as acceleration and temperature. The data analysis system can monitor the performance of defective structural component in a space vehicle and issue proper warning for maintenance and repair. If the concept is tested successful, the algorithm can be further developed into a commercial software to be used for the structural integrity monitoring of many engineering applications.
