Bayesian Framework Based Damage Segmentation (BFDS) with Time-Reversal Tomography (TRT) for Damage Characterization in Complex Aircraft Structures

To meet the NASA's need for innovative technologies that decrease turn-around time for inspections and assessments for safe operations of aircraft and spacecraft, X-wave Innovations, Inc. (XII), teaming up with Prof. Fuh-Gwo Yuan at North Carolina State University (NCSU), proposes to develop an innovative guided-wave based Time-Reversal Tomography (TRT) technology and Bayesian Framework based Damage Segmentation (BFDS) technology for finite-size damage detection and characterization in complex structures. This framework provides a means for evaluation of the Model-Assisted Probability of Detection (MAPOD) and Confidence Level (CL) for damage characterization in the context of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM).

For NASA, this technology is especially critical to protect the platforms' and crews' safety. For military applications, the enabling technology will increase an aircraft's readiness and allow the cost-saving Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of aircrafts, ships, ground vehicles and infrastructures to be implemented. In commercial sectors, this nondestructive damage characterization technology will benefit the maintenance decision for air and space vehicles, civil structures and power plants. This new NDE/SHM technology could significantly extend an aircraft's service life, reduce maintenance costs, and protect the safety of critical assets.

The proposed damage characterization technology has many market opportunities. Nondestructive damage characterization for geometrically complex structures posts significant challenge and interest to both military and commercial applications. For military applications, the enabling technology will allow the cost-saving Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) of aircrafts, ships, ground vehicles and infrastructures to be implemented. In commercial applications, this nondestructive damage characterization technology should benefit the maintenance decision for aerospace, civil structures and power plants. The proposed research provides a great means for cost-savings of maintenance as well as improvement of those mechanical systems. Such a NDE technique will benefit the enhancement of the lifetime and durability and the reduction of failure risk of those systems.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.