Through the conmbined effort of NASA MSFC and DSI, the first TIM of Integrated Vehicle Health Management convened at NASA Marshall on July 23, 2003. This event was of historical proportions for two reasons. This was the first TIM in which the participants were provided the opportunity to openly discuss the principles and application of diagnostics, prognostics and the implementation of IVHM. Secondly, the conference table in the room where the first IA TIM was held is of historical significance. It is the same table utilized by Werner Von Braun and his team of scientists during the planning of the United States' entry into the Space Age.The 47 TIM attendees included representatives from DoD agencies, NASA, and industry. They provided a broad range of experience and expertise on the subjects of diagnostics, prognostics, and IVHM.
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The agenda included presentations by DSI, TYX, and NASA Ames on Systems Approach to Diagnostics Development and IVHM Systems Analysis & Optimization. DSI demonstrated its Embedded Diagnostics Demonstrator and IVHM Executive (EDDIE), which provided real time Integrated Health Management applications in a simulated aircraft fuel system.
Time was allotted for open discussion by the attendees on implementation and application of diagnostics, prognostics, and IVHM. During the open discussions there were two major concerns identified. The first concern expressed by most attendees, was how to force the implementation of well-defined IVHM requirements down to the lowest level under the current procurement specification process. Secondly, there was a general concern with the lack of good system engineering principles during the design process and the apparent lack of teaching of these same principles by academia.
It was agreed by all in attendance that IA TIM provided an excellent forum and should be contineud. NASA MSFC commended DSI for being instrumental in pulling the TIM together.
The follow-on TIMs will be expanded to one full day in length. The next IA TIM is scheduled for October. If anyone is interested in attending the next IA TIM, please contact DSI, Jim Lauffer at (909) 735-1611 for more information.