Smart aircraft fastener evaluation (SAFE) system: a condition-based corrosion detection system for aging aircraft

Jeffrey N. Schoess; Greg Seifert; Clare A. Paul

doi:10.1117/12.240859

30 May 1996 Smart aircraft fastener evaluation (SAFE) system: a condition-based corrosion detection system for aging aircraft

Jeffrey N. Schoess, Greg Seifert, Clare A. Paul

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 2718, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240859
Event: 1996 Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, 1996, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The smart aircraft fastener evaluation (SAFE) system is an advanced structural health monitoring effort to detect and characterize corrosion in hidden and inaccessible locations of aircraft structures. Hidden corrosion is the number one logistics problem for the U.S. Air Force, with an estimated maintenance cost of $700M per year in 1990 dollars. The SAFE system incorporates a solid-state electrochemical microsensor and smart sensor electronics in the body of a Hi-Lok aircraft fastener to process and autonomously report corrosion status to aircraft maintenance personnel. The long-term payoff for using SAFE technology will be in predictive maintenance for aging aircraft and rotorcraft systems, fugitive emissions applications such as control valves, chemical pipeline vessels, and industrial boilers. Predictive maintenance capability, service, and repair will replace the current practice of scheduled maintenance to substantially reduce operational costs. A summary of the SAFE concept, laboratory test results, and future field test plans is presented.

Citation Download Citation

Jeffrey N. Schoess, Greg Seifert, and Clare A. Paul "Smart aircraft fastener evaluation (SAFE) system: a condition-based corrosion detection system for aging aircraft", Proc. SPIE 2718, Smart Structures and Materials 1996: Smart Sensing, Processing, and Instrumentation, (30 May 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.240859

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