SBIR-STTR Award

Austral Engineering and Software, Inc. proposes to develop a strategy and corresponding software for integrating nondestructive evaluation models and simulations through a systems-based approach incorporating optimization-based, computer-aided design tools. Design objectives to be modeled and optimized include damage tolerance, service life, performance and cost. In Phase I, AES will study existing NDE modeling approaches, and will establish methodologies for integrating NDE models with manufacturing process models, design space exploration and optimization algorithms, and multidimensional visualization methods. AES will then define a strategy for virtual design and NDE prototyping that considers product, process, and inspection requirements at all life cycle stages. Phase I will result in a limited proof-of-concept demonstration, and a complete strategy for execution in Phase II and beyond. The integrated design capability expected from Phase II will enable optimal design space exploration for products, manufacturing processes, and NDE methods, to be applied at various stages of a product's life cycle, from conceptual design through economic service life management. This system will allow rapid evaluation and optimization of tradeoffs among multiple, competing design, inspection, maintenance, damage tolerance, and life-extension objectives and alternatives. This approach will reduce development costs by minimizing the need for expensive empirical studies. AES anticipates that the U.S. Air Force, other defense organizations, and their OEMs will benefit from using the products of this effort for optimized life-cycle design of military and commercial products. Results will be commercialized in the form of software applications and related consulting services for NDE and product and process design.

Austral Engineering and Software, Inc. proposes to continue development of a strategy and software for integrating nondestructive evaluation (NDE) models and design tools, through a systems-based approach, into a computer-aided software system for product life cycle design and optimization. In Phase I, AES developed a strategy for modeling and integration, built a proof-of-concept software system, and demonstrated the feasibility of integrating NDE models with product life models, design space exploration and optimization algorithms, and visualization methods to address product service reliability and cost. In Phase II, AES will enhance the systems-based approach for virtual design and NDE prototyping, and expand the software capability through the integration and development of advanced NDE system design tools. This Phase II effort will result in a commercial prototype software system for rapid evaluation and optimization of alternatives while considering multiple design, inspection, maintenance, damage tolerance, and life-extension objectives. The capability will be provided to incorporate both NDE and integrated vehicle health monitoring approaches to ensure product reliability. The software will also provide the flexibility to model a complex series of inspections and repairs often found in the field. This approach will improve NDE procedure reliability and reduce development costs by minimizing expensive empirical studies

Keywords:
nondestructive evaluation, life cycle design, design, simulation, computer-aided design, affordability, optimization, modeling