Sentient Science uses a proprietary material science-based computational approach to provide accurate prognostics on the life of major systems and components in rotorcraft drive systems.
Dr. Raja Pulikollu, Sentient Science’s Vice President of Implementations and Chief Material Scientist, will present his paper on “Gear Health Algorithm Solution for Drive System Design and Operations” at the American Helicopter Society’s 72 Annual Forum in West Palm, Fl. at 0900 on Thursday, May 19.
Sentient builds computational models of complex rotating systems and simulates the contact fatigue and bending fatigue damage in rotating components. The DigitalClone models consider the manufacturing process, contact pattern, lubrication effects, stresses, microstructure and material variability. Once the models are created, computational tests compare fatigue life simulations to help during design and reconfiguration stages. It is also used to plan preventative maintenance schedules, which allows time for life extension solutions to be applied such as Buy on Life, a side by side supplier comparison.
“From a safety and reliability standpoint, our ability to computationally test the effects of design changes, overloads, material quality, and operational conditions ensures the rotorcraft performance in the field with minimal risk of unforeseen failure,” said Dr. Pulikollu.
The prognostics provide system health state warning of remaining useful life or mean time to observable damage life in hours. This knowledge is used for inventory management, changes in maintenance programs, operational changes and side by side supplier comparison to mitigate lead and down time.
Dr. Pulikollu will present on more on these findings from 0900-0930 during Technical Session D, HUMS/CBM II in room 2BC at the exhibit hall. The team will be at Booth #508 at the show from May 17-19.
Sentient Science began as a research and development company in 2001 with funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to decode the material genome of rotating components as a way to lower service costs. Sentient products were validated at NASA in 2010 when the DigitalClone software accurately charted the failure rates against 30 years of physical testing. The White House honored Sentient with the Tibbetts Award for its SBIR-funded research and development advancements made in material science, and Bloomberg New Energy Finance recognized Sentient with the Pioneers Award for commercial success and rapid growth.