IVHM Development and the Big Data Paradigm (2013-01-2332)

This paper discusses the correlation of IVHM (Integrated Vehicle Health Management) as an emerging aerospace discipline and the Big Data paradigm widely discussed in the Information Technology industry. The 4-V model is discussed to qualify a Big Data problem in terms of the volume, variety, velocity and veracity of the data involved. Big Data management allows, for example, correlations to be found to “spot business trends, determine quality of research, prevent diseases, combat crime, and determine real-time roadway traffic conditions”. Examining these two fields side by side is necessary and desirable because innovation is very likely to occur when and where different but correlated domains interface. This paper compares the most significant technical components required for Big Data Analytics and IVHM to work. Most aerospace players have recognized the strategic value of IVHM, but only a few have been able to establish coordinated action plans that allow them to offer advanced services in line with the possibilities envisioned. To help address this fact, the paper will discuss the challenges for IVHM implementation, including how the aircraft design process needs to be modified to incorporate IVHM trade studies complete enough to allow the enterprise to compare development costs to long term savings on operations, maintenance and sustaining efforts. A generic IVHM platform will be described, including examples for the ground analytics components, which are identified as the most value added parts.