Acellent SHM 4.0 software supports real-time composites monitoring

In an effort to design, manufacture and integrate reliable, advanced structural health monitoring (SHM) systems for composite parts and structures, Acellent Technologies Inc. (Sunnyvale, Calif., U.S.) showcases its Intelligent Analytics and Data Management SHM software, which can be used as an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) 4.0 big data platform.

The company’s integrated end-to-end SHM system, purpose-built to pair with Acellent’s data-acquisition (DAQ) hardware interfaces and Smart Layer sensors, is capable of detecting a variety of damage types in real time including cracks, erosion, bolt loosening, coating degradation, corrosion, delamination, impact damage, disbonds, exposure to harsh environments and more. The software’s algorithmic capabilities enable condition-based maintenance as a foundational step and is said to fill a gap in predictive maintenance, leading to AI-based decision-making solutions and prognostics. Ultimately, the software targets reduced downtime, maintenance costs and an increase in overall operational efficiency.

Acellent’s suite of software — SHM Composite, SHM Patch, SHM RAPID, SHM ACESS and AIM — incorporates advanced proprietary algorithms for event localization, quantification and prognostics, in user-friendly and easy-to-use packages.

SHM Patch, for instance, is designed specifically for monitoring localized “hot spot” areas and components. Acellent says it detects, classifies, localizes and quantifies various types of damage in metal structures, including fatigue cracks and other structural anomalies.

Alternately, SHM Composite is geared toward monitoring large composite structures, such as aircraft wings, fuselages, turbine blades and pressure vessels. It detects, classifies, localizes and quantifies various types of damage in composite materials, including delaminations, disbonds and matrix cracking.

Both SHM Patch and SHM Composite work in conjunction with the company’s Smart Layer sensor networks and ScanGenie data-acquisition hardware, using “active” acousto-ultrasonic guided wave interrogation to detect damage in large composite structures. They are suitable for use in laboratory and field (real-world, in-service) applications.