Robust In-Flight Sensor Fault Diagnostics for Aircraft Engine Based on Sliding Mode Observers

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Control Systems
• Fault Diagnosis

Background:

• Aircraft engine health monitoring is critical for safety.
• Engine performance degradation poses challenges for sensor fault diagnostics.
• Existing methods may require extensive recalibration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated on-line sensor fault diagnostic scheme for commercial aircraft engines.
• To enhance the robustness of sensor fault diagnosis against engine health degradation.
• To enable efficient, in-flight model updating for sustained diagnostic accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a dual sliding mode observer (SMO) approach.
• One SMO tracks engine health performance.
• A second SMO reconstructs sensor faults, with its model updated post-flight using data from the first SMO.

Main Results:

• The proposed scheme demonstrates enhanced robustness to engine health degradation.
• The diagnostic system effectively reconstructs sensor faults throughout the engine's operational life.
• The in-flight updating mechanism avoids ground-based intervention, proving economical and efficient.

Conclusions:

• The integrated SMO-based system provides a practical and effective solution for on-line sensor fault diagnosis in aircraft engines.
• The method ensures reliable fault reconstruction despite inevitable engine health performance changes.
• This approach enhances overall aircraft engine safety and operational efficiency.