SHM structural monitoring course on aircraft
About our
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) Course in Aircraft
This course provides specialized training in the application of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems to the aeronautics industry. It focuses on the use of sensor technologies and data analysis to detect and assess damage to aircraft structures in real time, including fiber optic sensors and ultrasonic acoustics. The course covers the detection of cracks, corrosion, and other defects, as well as the implementation of SHM systems in aircraft design and maintenance. It also addresses data interpretation and decision-making to ensure structural safety and reliability.
This course provides knowledge of data analysis and fault detection algorithms, preparing participants for roles such as SHM engineers, structural integrity specialists, and data analysts in the aerospace industry. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of SHM techniques, including sensor integration, signal analysis, and predictive model development. Compliance with relevant aerospace regulations is also a focus.
SHM structural monitoring course on aircraft
- Format: Hybrid
- Duration: 3 months
- Hours: 300 H
- Language: English / Spanish
- Registration date: 23-10-2026
- Start date: 12-12-2026
- Available places: 3
620 $
Competencies and results
What you will learn
1. Structural Integrity Analysis (SHM) in Aircraft: A Comprehensive Course
- Identify and evaluate critical structural failure modes in aircraft.
- Apply principles of fracture mechanics and cumulative damage.
- Use specialized software for finite element analysis (FEA) simulation.
- Interpret FEA analysis results to evaluate structural integrity.
- Evaluate the behavior of composite materials and their joints.
- Understand and apply non-destructive testing (NDT) methodologies.
- Develop inspection plans based on risk and design analysis.
- Analyze data from structural health monitoring (SHM) systems.
- Integrate SHM data with structural analysis for decision-making.
- Implement predictive and condition-based maintenance strategies.
1. SHM Learning: Advanced Structural Detection and Diagnosis in Aircraft
- Evaluate the dynamic response of aeronautical structures through vibration and failure mode analysis.
- Understand the methodology of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and its components: sensors, data acquisition, and processing.
- Apply damage detection techniques based on the identification of key characteristics in vibration signals.
- Master damage diagnostic algorithms for the location and quantification of structural failures.
- Study the application of acoustic, fiber optic, and strain gauge sensors in SHM systems.
- Interpret the data generated by SHM systems for decision-making in maintenance and repair.
- Use specialized software in Modal analysis and damage detection for simulation and evaluation.
Analyze flap-lag-torsion, whirl flutter, and fatigue couplings.
Dimension laminates in composites, joints, and bonded joints with FE.
Implement damage tolerance and NDT (UT/RT/thermography).
3. Comprehensive user-oriented design and validation (from modeling to manufacturing)
You will learn to integrate the entire product development process, from initial model conception to final validation, applying user-centered methodologies. You will develop skills in parametric design, ergonomics, simulation, sustainable materials, 3D visualization, and manufacturing management, ensuring efficient, safe solutions that meet current industry standards.
4. SHM for Aircraft: Fundamentals of Structural Monitoring and Applications
- Understand the principles of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applied to aircraft.
- Identify and evaluate the different types of sensors used in SHM, including piezoelectric, fiber optic, and impedance sensors.
- Analyze critical failure modes in aircraft structures and their relationship to SHM.
- Study the data processing and signal analysis techniques used in SHM, such as Fourier transform, modal analysis, and machine learning.
- Evaluate the performance of SHM systems and damage detection in aircraft structures.
- Apply the acquired knowledge to practical cases and examples from the aerospace industry.
- Analyze flap-lag-torsion couplings, whirl flutter, and fatigue.
- Size laminates in composites, unions and bonded joints with FE.
- Implement damage tolerance and NDT (UT/RT/thermography).
5. SHM Aircraft: Structural Damage Assessment and Monitoring Techniques
5. SHM Aircraft: Structural Damage Assessment and Monitoring Techniques
- Identify and evaluate critical failure modes in aircraft structures, including flap-lag-torsion coupling analysis, the whirl flutter phenomenon, and the effects of fatigue on materials.
- Apply finite element (FE) analysis methods for the accurate dimensioning of structural components made from laminates in composites, as well as the design of joints and bonded joints.
- Master damage tolerance techniques, implementing strategies for damage management and mitigation, and apply non-destructive testing (NDT) methods such as ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography for defect detection.
6. SHM Aircraft: Detection, Analysis and Diagnosis of Structural Damage in Flight
6. SHM Aircraft: Detection, Analysis, and Diagnosis of Structural Damage in Flight
- Identify and evaluate failure modes in aeronautical structures, including detailed analysis of flap-lag-torsion couplings, with emphasis on the stability and dynamic response of wings and control surfaces, as well as the analysis of whirl flutter and its implications for the design of rotors and engine nacelles, along with an in-depth study of fatigue mechanisms and their modeling.
- Apply finite element (FE) methods for the precise dimensioning of laminates in composite materials, exploring the influence of fiber orientation and working loads.
Study the design and analysis of structural and bonded joints, including load transfer simulation and failure prediction.
Master the principles of damage tolerance to evaluate crack propagation and structural behavior under damage, and develop mitigation strategies. Implement non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques, including ultrasonic testing (UT), radiography (RT), and thermography, for the detection, characterization, and monitoring of structural damage in flight.
Who this program is for:
SHM structural monitoring course on aircraft
- Graduates in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related fields.
- Professionals from OEM rotorcraft/eVTOL, MRO, consulting, technology centers.
- Flight Testing, certification, avionics, control, and dynamics seeking specialization.
- Regulators/authorities and UAM/eVTOL professionals requiring compliance skills.
Recommended qualifications: foundation in aerodynamics, control, and structures; ES/EN B2+/C1. We offer bridging tracks if you need them.
- Standards-driven curriculum: you will work with CS-27/CS-29, DO-160, DO-178C/DO-254, ARP4754A/ARP4761, ADS-33E-PRF from the first module.
- Accreditable laboratories (EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor bench, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibrations/acoustics.
- Evidence-oriented TFM: safety case, test plan, compliance dossierand operational limits.
- Mentored by industry: teachers with experience in rotorcraft, tiltrotor, eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
- Flexible modality (hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
- Ethics and security: safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
**Module 1 — Introduction to SHM and Fundamental Principles**
1.1 Definition and objectives of SHM in aircraft.
1.2 Advantages and benefits of structural monitoring.
1.3 Key components of an SHM system.
1.4 Types of sensors used in SHM.
1.5 Principles of data acquisition and processing.
1.6 Concepts of structural integrity and degradation.
1.7 Introduction to damage detection methods.
1.8 Relevant regulations and standards for SHM.
1.9 Current applications of SHM in the aerospace industry.
1.10 Future of SHM: emerging trends and technologies.
2.2 SHM Fundamentals: Introduction to Structural Health Monitoring.
2.2 SHM Sensors: Types, Operation, and Selection for Aircraft.
2.3 Data Acquisition: Techniques and Information Collection Systems.
2.4 Signal Processing: Filtering, Analysis, and Noise Reduction.
2.5 Damage Detection Algorithms: Principles and Applications.
2.6 Damage Characterization: Evaluation and Classification Methods.
2.7 Smart Sensors: Sensor Integration and Embedded Systems.
2.8 Communication and Data Transmission: Protocols and Networks in SHM.
2.9 SHM System Design: Considerations for Implementation in Aircraft.
2.20 Case Studies: Examples of SHM Applications in Aircraft.
3.3 SHM Principles: Introduction to Structural Monitoring in Flight
3.2 SHM Sensors and Technologies: Types and Aircraft Applications
3.3 SHM Data Acquisition and Processing: Methods and Tools
3.4 Damage Detection: Algorithms and Analysis Techniques
3.5 Damage Location and Characterization: Advanced Methods
3.6 SHM Data Validation and Verification: Quality Assurance
3.7 In-Flight SHM Systems: Implementation and Operation
3.8 SHM Results Analysis: Interpretation and Reporting
3.9 SHM Integration with Maintenance Systems: Strategies and Benefits
3.30 Case Studies: Real-World Applications of In-Flight SHM
4.4 Types of Sensors Used in Aeronautical SHM
4.2 Integration of Sensors into Aircraft Structures
4.3 Sensors for Corrosion and Fatigue Detection
4.4 Fiber Optic Sensors for Structural Monitoring
4.5 SHM Sensor Data Acquisition and Processing Systems
4.6 SHM Sensor Applications in Wings and Fuselages
4.7 SHM Sensor Applications in Engines and Critical Components
4.8 Sensor Data Analysis: Damage and Failure Identification
4.9 SHM Sensor Validation and Calibration
4.40 The Future of SHM Sensors in Aviation
5.5 Introduction to the concept of SHM and its importance in aviation.
5.5 Advantages of SHM compared to traditional inspection methods.
5.3 Key components of an SHM system.
5.4 Initial applications and evolution of SHM in aircraft.
5.5 The future of SHM and its impact on the aeronautical industry.
5.5 Guided ultrasound techniques.
5.5 Acoustic emission and its applications.
5.3 Fiber optics and fiber Bragg sensors.
5.4 Piezoelectric sensors and their uses.
5.5 Other innovative damage detection techniques.
5.6 Comparison and selection of techniques according to the application.
3.5 Types of sensors and their operation in SHM systems.
3.5 Data acquisition systems and their implementation.
3.3 Sensor networks and their design.
3.4 Integration of sensors into aircraft structures.
3.5 Sensor calibration and validation.
3.6 Sensor maintenance and replacement considerations.
4.5 Signal processing methods and structural data analysis.
4.5 Damage detection and location algorithms.
4.3 Trend analysis and service life modeling.
4.4 SHM analysis software and tools.
4.5 Validation and verification of analysis results.
4.6 SHM data management and databases.
5.5 Case studies in different aircraft types.
5.5 Applications in corrosion detection.
5.3 Fatigue crack detection.
5.4 Impact damage monitoring.
5.5 Applications in composite structure monitoring.
5.6 Implementation of SHM in maintenance management.
6.5 Structural integrity assessment methods. 6.5 Damage Acceptance and Rejection Criteria
6.3 Analysis of the Remaining Service Life of the Structure
6.4 Safety and Design Factors
6.5 Damage Modeling and Simulation
6.6 Complementary Inspection Techniques
7.5 Failure Diagnosis Methodologies Based on SHM Data
7.5 Service Life Forecasting Models and Their Uncertainty
7.3 Damage Mitigation and Repair Techniques
7.4 Safety and Risk Management in Failure Diagnosis
7.5 Root Cause Analysis and Corrective Actions
7.6 The Importance of Traceability and Data Recording
8.5 Relevant Regulations and Standards for SHM in Aviation
8.5 International Standards and Best Practices
8.3 Certification and Approval of SHM Systems
8.4 Documentation and Reporting Requirements 8.5 Legal implications and liability in the use of SHM.
8.6 The future of standardization in SHM.
6.6 Principles of In-Flight Damage Detection: Introduction and Key Concepts
6.2 Real-Time Structural Monitoring Techniques
6.3 Sensors and Data Acquisition Systems for In-Flight SHM
6.4 Data Analysis and Damage Detection Algorithms
6.5 Interpreting Results and Diagnosing Structural Failures
6.6 Practical Applications of SHM in In-Flight Damage Detection
6.7 Case Studies: Success Stories in In-Flight Damage Detection
6.8 Challenges and Limitations of In-Flight Damage Detection
6.9 Regulations and Standards Related to SHM in Aviation
6.60 The Future of In-Flight Damage Detection: Trends and Technological Advancements
- Hands-on methodology: test-before-you-trust, design reviews, failure analysis, compliance evidence.
- Software (depending on licenses/partners): MATLAB/Simulink, Python (NumPy/SciPy), OpenVSP, SU2/OpenFOAM, Nastran/Abaqus, AMESim/Modelica, acoustics tools, planning toolchains DO-178C.
- SEIUM Laboratories: scale rotor bench, vibrations/acoustics, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL for AFCS, data acquisition with strain gauging.
- Standards and compliance: EN 9100, 17025, ISO 27001, GDPR.
Capstone-type projects
Admissions, fees, and scholarships
- Profile: Background in Computer Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related fields; practical experience in NLP and valued information retrieval systems.
- Documentation: Updated CV, academic transcript, SOP/statement of purpose, project examples or code (optional).
- Process: Application → Technical evaluation of profile and experience → Technical interview → Review of case studies → Final decision → Enrollment.
- Fees:
- Single payment: 10% discount.
- Payment in 3 installments: No fees; 30% upon registration + 2 equal monthly payments of the remaining 35%.
Monthly payment: available with a 7% commission on the total; annual review.
Scholarships: based on academic merit, financial need, and promoting inclusion; agreements with companies in the sector for partial or full scholarships.
See “Calendar & Calls for Applications,” “Scholarships & Grants,” and “Fees & Financing” in the SEIUM mega-menu.
Do you have any questions?
Our team is ready to help you. Contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible.
F. A. Q
Frequently asked questions
Yes, we have international certification
Yes: experimental models, real data, applied simulations, professional environments, real case studies.
It is not mandatory. We offer leveling tracks and tutoring.
Completely. It covers e-propulsion, integration, and emerging regulations (SC-VTOL).
Recommended. There are also internal challenges and consortiums.
Yes. Online/hybrid modality with planned labs and visa support (see “Visa & Residence”).