SiMAero · Simulation-Driven and On-line Condition Monitoring with Applications to Aerospace

Simulation-Driven and On-line Condition Monitoring with Applications to Aerospace

In current aircraft maintenance procedures, damage is monitored by means of frequently scheduled inspections, which might often require dismantling of the entire assembly in order to reach specific parts of the structure. The latter leads in increased operational costs, while may not warn of sudden or cumulative appearance of damage. On the other hand, recent technological advancements allow for acquisition of data from the structure in operation at low cost and with sufficient accuracy. Furthermore, advanced modelling techniques can accurately reproduce the response of complex components and structures, in both damaged and healthy conditions, thus complementing the information obtained through measurements. The current project aims at combining the aforementioned tools, i.e., sensing technologies and modelling techniques, to enable the development of constant and continuous monitoring tools that can complement standard maintenance procedures. In order to investigate different possibilities, two application scenarios are considered: Detection of damage in advanced stages in operating conditions. This scenario involves the detection of cracks of larger size under unknown operating loads using vibration measurements, such as accelerations and strains. In this case, two challenges are posed with respect to the use of models. The first one is related to computational time, which has to be low enough to allow for online application. The second one stems from the fact that the exact operational loads are not known. Detection of damage in early stages in testing conditions. This scenario involves the detection of cracks of small size using guided waves, generated and measured by piezoelectric transducers. Then, the damage detection problem can be formulated as an inverse problem involving the repeated solution models for different crack locations and sizes. As in the previous scenario, computational time becomes also an issue, while flexibility with respect to the representation of damage is also required.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union