airframe fatigue detection - micro-fluidic vacuum sensor system (CVM)
CVM is a unique micro-fluidic vacuum sensor system for the detection of fatigue and stress corrosion cracking in airframe materials that compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft. The simple functional principle of CVM makes the system fail-safe and reliable.
CVM is a network of polymer sensors permanently bonded to the fatigue-critical airframe components. The sensors are conduited to inspection sockets fitted at accessible locations on the fuselage where an airframe technician connects the PM4 portable test equipment to apply a precise measure of vacuum to the sensors. Degradation of the stable vacuum indicates loss of structural integrity at sub millimetre accuracy.
Each CVM test takes less than three minutes to perform and completely supersedes the previous need.
SMS has developed CVM with Australian Defence since 1996, and has commercial supply programs with Airbus and Boeing and defence sales to the Royal Australian Air Force, Australian Army, Singapore, US Navy, UK RAF and RN.
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CVM is a unique sensor system permanently bonded to fatigue critical airframe for the rapid detection of fatigue and stress corrosion cracking that compromise the airworthiness of the aircraft. |
SMS has developed CVM with Australian Defence since 1996, and has commercial supply and development programs with Airbus and Boeing and defence sales to RAAF, Australian Army, Singapore AF, Pakistan AF, US Navy, UK RAF and RN. |
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The companys R&D is based in Perth, Western Australia, with a staff of 25. SMS has an office in the USA and in the UK with a staff of ex-RAF engineering and NDT to service the British and NATO air forces, representative agencies in the USA, France, Singapore, Malaysia and Pakistan and South Africa. |
 Team Australia - Structural Monitoring Systems
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