SHM structural monitoring course on aircraft
Online course of 300 hours in aircraft structural health monitoring (SHM): 6 modules covering SHM concepts, sensors, damage detection techniques, data processing and diagnosis, and integration into maintenance, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Understand the principles of structural health monitoring.
Select suitable sensors for each damage mode.
Apply damage detection and localisation techniques.
Process data using machine learning techniques.
Assess the reliability of structural diagnosis.
Integrate SHM into the maintenance programme.
Design a monitoring system for a structural zone.
Who it's for
- Structural health monitoring engineers wanting a complete aerospace-focused methodology.
- Non-destructive testing engineers moving from scheduled inspection to permanent monitoring.
- Maintenance data scientists working with sensor and fleet data.
- Aeronautical structures engineers who need to integrate sensing into their designs.
- Sensors and instrumentation engineers applying their expertise to aircraft structures.
- Reliability and maintenance engineers exploring condition-based maintenance.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the aeronautical sector.
What you'll work with
- SAE ARP6461 (guidelines for implementation of SHM on fixed-wing aircraft)
- ATA MSG-3 (maintenance programme development)
- FAA AC 25.571-1D (damage tolerance and fatigue evaluation of structure)
- Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 (continuing airworthiness)
- UNE-EN 4179 (qualification and approval of NDT personnel)
- ISO 13374-1 (condition monitoring and diagnostics data processing)
- ASTM E1316 (terminology for non-destructive examinations)
- MATLAB
- Python with scikit-learn
- Abaqus
- Micron Optics ENLIGHT
- Siemens Simcenter Testlab
6 modules
1.1Definition and levels of SHM1.2Structural diagnosis and prognosis1.3Comparison with non-destructive inspection1.4Detectable damage in aircraft structures1.5Benefits for maintenance and availability1.6Architecture of an SHM system1.7Load and usage monitoring1.8Technology readiness and deployments1.9SHM certification challenges1.10Case study: identifying candidate zones on an aircraft
2.1Strain gauges in monitored structures2.2Fibre Bragg grating optical sensors2.3Piezoelectric guided-wave sensors2.4Acoustic emission for crack detection2.5Comparative vacuum monitoring sensors2.6Corrosion sensors2.7Wireless sensor networks2.8Sensor integration in composites2.9Sensor durability and reliability2.10Lab: calibration of a Bragg grating
3.1Lamb guided waves3.2Electromechanical impedance methods3.3Vibration-based monitoring3.4Distributed strain analysis3.5Impact localisation3.6Delamination detection3.7Crack detection in metallic structures3.8Environmental effects and compensation3.9Probability of detection in SHM3.10Practical exercise: impact localisation with acoustic emission signals
4.1Signal acquisition and pre-processing4.2Damage feature extraction4.3Machine learning for detection4.4Unsupervised anomaly detection4.5Structural digital twin4.6Remaining useful life prognosis4.7Sensor data fusion4.8Fleet data management4.9Uncertainty and reliability of diagnosis4.10Workshop: damage classification with machine learning
5.1Structural condition-based maintenance5.2SHM in the MSG-3 process5.3Replacement of scheduled inspections5.4System validation and verification5.5Personnel qualification5.6Interfaces with maintenance systems5.7Cost-benefit analysis of the SHM system5.8Applications in helicopters and drones5.9Experience in commercial fleets5.10Case study: SHM in a hard-to-access zone
6.1Selection of the structural zone6.2Damage modes to be detected6.3Sensor selection6.4Sensor network design6.5Diagnostic algorithm6.6Validation plan6.7Integration into the maintenance programme6.8Economic assessment of the system6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within the intake, so it fits around your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is MATLAB, Python with scikit-learn, Abaqus, Micron Optics ENLIGHT and Siemens Simcenter Testlab, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures: design of a sensor network, damage detection with guided waves and cost-benefit assessment of an SHM system. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrative project.
Standards covered: SAE ARP6461, ATA MSG-3, FAA AC 25.571-1D, Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, UNE-EN 4179, ISO 13374-1, ASTM E1316.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with MATLAB, Python with scikit-learn, Abaqus, Micron Optics ENLIGHT and Siemens Simcenter Testlab, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need an internet connection, a computer able to run the programme's software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
Related programmes
EAR course in aerospace export
Online course of 300 hours in EAR for aerospace exports. 6 modules covering the Export Administration Regulations, Commerce Control List classification, licences and exceptions, operational compliance…
3D Metrology Course for Aircraft
Online course of 300 hours in 3D metrology for aircraft: 6 modules covering aerospace dimensional metrology, coordinate measuring machines, portable large-volume metrology, 3D scanning and non-contact…
Aerospace supply chain course
Online course of 300 hours in aerospace supply chain. 6 modules covering the structure of the aerospace supply chain, demand and production planning, supplier management and…
More in Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space
All Aerospace, UAM, Drones & Space programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships