A USN development strategy and demonstration results for propulsion and mechanical systems diagnostics, prognostics and health management

A US Navy strategy was generated and is still evolving to develop and demonstrate diagnostics and prognostics for helicopter drive trains. The SH-60 program was initiated as a proof-of-concept effort to develop, demonstrate, and integrate available and advanced mechanical diagnostic technologies for propulsion and power drive system monitoring. Included in these technologies were various rule based and model based analysis techniques which were applied to demonstrate and validate various levels of diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. Since spalling of the SB 2205 roller bearing integral inner race is the most common dynamic component cause for gearbox removal in the SH-60, it was tested as part of the original HIDS effort. Using this as a case example, diagnostic methods are used to identify the fault, and means of applying prognostics are discussed. Other more recent examples of “seeded faults” are also discussed as case studies demonstrating various degrees of diagnostic and prognostic capabilities. These include the evaluation of an epicyclic planet gear separation algorithm developed by the DSTO, Australia. Multivariate analysis reasoners, and information fusion requirements and approaches are also discussed. Most recently a strategy is evolving to more fully develop and demonstrate the predictive aspects of prognostics. Finally a full description, recent accomplishments, status and plans for the NAWCAD Helicopter Transmission Test Facility is presented