Engine Life Measurement and Diagnostics: The Future Direction for the Air Force

Major improvements in gas-turbine engine life management and diagnostics can be achieved using artificial intelligence. More effective use of data collected in flight will be possible, post flight maintenance will be expedited, and unnecessary engine removals eliminated. Most importantly, real-time measurement of life consumption would enable the safe life of fracture critical components to be fully used before their retirement. A comprehensive on-board life measurement and diagnostics system for gas-turbine engines is necessary to support probabilistic design and life prediction methodologies for gas turbine engines and the introduction of two-level maintenance in the Air Force.