CBM Fundamental Research at the University of South Carolina: A Systematic Approach to U.S. Army Rotorcraft CBM and the Resulting Tangible Benefits

The present paper addresses systematic approach to Condition-Based Maintenance, and research results at the University of South Carolina Condition-Based Maintenance Research Center, directly related to U.S. Army rotorcraft Vibration Management Enhancement Program. The paper gives an analysis of the CBM concept and its functional layers, such as condition monitoring, diagnostics, prognostics and health management systems, followed by diagnosis and prognosis enabling technologies and concepts; followed by research and development of Health and Usage Monitoring Systems enhancing technologies, such as expansion of military aircraft condition sensing technologies through integration of multi-sensor data fusion, and exploration of new signal analysis techniques. The paper is concluded by Tail Rotor Gearbox case studies, and results of cost benefit analysis of the rotorcraft Condition-Based Maintenance program implemented at the South Carolina Army National Guard.