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Global airframe health characterization

  • US 9,284,048 B2
  • Filed: 10/14/2013
  • Issued: 03/15/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/14/2013
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:

  • determining, by a controller comprising a processor, that an aircraft is on a landing surface based on a weight-on wheels sensor reading;

    setting, by the controller, an initial vibration frequency to be applied to an airframe of the aircraft;

    commanding, by the controller, one or more force generators to apply a vibratory load to the airframe at the initial vibration frequency based on determining that the aircraft is on the landing surface and the aircraft is in a pre-flight or diagnostic mode, wherein the one or more force generators are components of an active vibration control system configured to attenuate vibration of the aircraft while the aircraft is in a flight or normal operation mode and to characterize a global stiffness of the airframe while the aircraft is in the pre-flight or diagnostic mode and positioned on the landing surface;

    determining, by the controller, a vibration response of the airframe at the initial vibration frequency using a plurality of sensors;

    sweeping, by the controller, through a range of vibration frequencies to be applied to the airframe;

    commanding, by the controller, the one or more force generators to apply a plurality of vibratory loads to the airframe over the range of vibration frequencies;

    determining, by the controller, a range of vibration responses of the airframe over the range of vibration frequencies using the plurality of sensors;

    determining, by the controller, the global stiffness of the airframe based on the vibration response and the range of vibration responses;

    comparing the global stiffness of the airframe to a threshold value; and

    determining a level of damage to the airframe based on a difference between the global stiffness and the threshold value; and

    reporting, by the controller, results of determining the global stiffness of the airframe.

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