USING CORROSION HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEMS TO DETECT CORROSION: REAL-TIME MONITORING TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF THE STRUCTURE

Abstract

This study investigates the use of Corrosion Health Monitoring (CHM) systems to detect and manage corrosion in aviation environments, with a specific focus on enclosed areas within aircraft structures. Corrosion poses significant risks to airport facilities and aircraft, and CHM systems offer real-time monitoring and data-driven approaches for proactive corrosion management. Through case studies conducted at two different test sites, the effectiveness of deploying advanced sensors was demonstrated in identifying corrosion-prone areas, optimizing maintenance schedules, and enhancing safety and structural integrity. The study highlights the variability in corrosion rates between open-air and enclosed conditions, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention strategies. It also discusses the challenges of integrating CHM systems into existing maintenance practices and airport infrastructure, addressing issues such as sensor placement, data management, and regulatory compliance, and outlines future directions for R&D in this critical area. By incorporating CHM systems, the aviation industry can transition from reactive to predictive maintenance, improving the reliability and lifespan of assets while reducing costs.