Inc. Cynthia Furse, Utah State University Sean Field, Naval Air Warfare Aircraft Division Wiring integrity and safety issues have emerged as a major aerospace problem associated with the loss of SwissAir 111 and TWA 800.
Wiring is the nervous system of every electronic system.
Wiring problems have been known to cause loss of signals, system shutdowns, smoke, fires and explosions. In lesser forms, wiring problems cause millions of dollars in troubleshooting and maintenance. Modern technology provides a viable solution. This paper will present how the industry, universities, and government agencies are working to develop in-situ wiring sensor systems to detect, diagnose, predict and prevent wiring related problems in aerospace vehicles. The authors will begin with a brief introduction to wiring related problems and the safety and economic impacts caused by deterioration and abuse.