As the ESA technology Broker for the UK, we have been presented with a number of technologies that have the potential to translate from terrestrial to space applications. Among these technologies is a physics-based digital twin solution for structural integrity. The system, ‘CITRUS’ (Component Integrity and Technology Readiness Utilisation System), has been created by Nottingham-based MatAlytics to monitor the health and predict the remaining lifespan of critical industrial components
CITRUS streams data from equipment during real-time operation, which is then examined with enhanced modelling and neural networks, to provide insights into the condition of components. These insights can be used to optimise maintenance schedules for industry assets, preventing unexpected failures and downtimes.
Using existing equipment sensors to monitor factors such as temperature and pressure, the CITRUS system uses a combination of physics-based material models and artificial intelligence (AI) to turn the sensor data into a live representation of accumulated damage and the remaining life of a component. The use of AI means that highly precise insights can be gathered without the need for long computation times or expert intervention. These insights are presented in a clear, visual manner to show the current health status and predicted remaining lifespan of components.
Although this system was originally created with the energy sector in mind, it is readily adaptable to suit other industry sectors, including space, where the regular monitoring of structural integrity enhances safety and efficiency.
Advantages of this system include being able to deliver real-time, in-situ analysis to enable instant operational adjustments rather than waiting for periodic inspections or off-line simulations. By tracking damage accumulation, this system has the capability to reduce unexpected downtimes as well as optimising performance and increasing asset life.
Removing the requirement for expensive external simulations and expert analysis, CITRUS provides near-instant feedback in a user-friendly manner. Customisable to suit different equipment types and industries, CITRUS has been designed so that it is easily accessible for non-experts to use.
Find Out More:
With a number of potential space sector applications available for this system, you can find out more about this technology here: https://www.esa-technology-broker.co.uk/technologies/citrus-physics-based-digital-twin-for-structural-integrity
If you would like to explore this technology further for potential applications, please get in touch with us by emailing contactus@esa-technology-broker.co.uk.