Rotor Acoustic Monitoring System (RAMS)—A Fatigue Crack Detection System

The Rotor Acoustic Monitoring System (RAMS), an embedded structural monitoring system, is being developed by Honeywell Technology Center (HTC) as a technology demonstration for the U.S. Navy under the Air Vehicle Diagnostic System (AVDS) program. The RAMS is being designed to detect rotor-related fatigue cracks in rotorcraft such as the CH-46 Sea Knight and, as a goal, to provide early-warning assessment of vehicle health. A concept definition effort (Phase I) was performed to assess the feasibility of detecting rotor head fatigue cracks by applying stress wave acoustic emission technology. Based on the Phase I results, a remote onboard real-time flight test system is currently being developed that incorporates wireless S-Band communications, simulated crack generator electronics, and a 20-Gbyte data storage system. Potential for stress wave acoustic emission (AE) applications are numerous, with payoff in industrial pipeline inspection, petrochemical manufacturing equipment, and aircraft structural monitoring. A summary of the RAMS design approach, simulated flight test results, and future plans is presented.