Embedded or clip-on device for health monitoring of an article

A sensor system for monitoring health of an associated article, the sensor system comprising:

• a sensing element disposed along a length of an outer surface of the associated article, wherein the sensing element is configured to passively detect deflection of an outer surface of the associated article and output an electrical signal in proportion to an amount of deflection;
• a mounting mechanism configured to secure the sensing element to at least a portion of the outer surface of associated article;
• and
• a processor communicatively coupled to the sensing element, wherein the processor is configured to:
• extract a plurality of different features from deflection data obtained by the sensing element;
• generate, using the plurality of different features, an associated distribution of the features, wherein a baseline distribution of the features indicative of normal behavior of the associated article is represented by the baseline distribution in a first position;
• generate, utilizing the associated distribution of the features a confidence value, the confidence value indicative of a similarity in position between the associated distribution of features and the baseline distribution of features;
• and
• determine the article is damaged or degraded when the confidence value for a deviation from the baseline distribution corresponds to abnormal behavior.