Integral structural health and load monitoring of a helicopter tail boom manufactured from aluminum sheet metal with support from frames and stringers by guided ultrasonic waves

Gerhard Birkelbach; Wolfgang Grill; Sergey Kuznetsov; Vitalijs Pavelko

doi:10.1117/12.914970

19 April 2012 Integral structural health and load monitoring of a helicopter tail boom manufactured from aluminum sheet metal with support from frames and stringers by guided ultrasonic waves

Gerhard Birkelbach, Wolfgang Grill, Sergey Kuznetsov, Vitalijs Pavelko

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8348, Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems 2012; 83480Y (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.914970
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Based on mode selective monitoring of the transport of guided ultrasonic waves with high temporal resolution achieved by correlation techniques, a helicopter tail boom section, manufactured from aluminum, has been monitored concerning structural health and load including monitoring under shaker driven conditions. The characteristic sensitivities of the developed health and load monitoring schemes are presented together with methods suitable for the compensation of the influence of temperature variations during monitoring. Concerning the detection of loose joints, a novel monitoring scheme has been introduced capable to detect fluctuations in joints including riveted joints and connections by high-locks. The currently operated system is fully remote controlled and can be operated by internet. Concerning the rather compact size and power consumption, the developed instrumentation is already suitable for in-flight respectively for on-ground hand hold and battery powered operation. The observations, achievements, and results are presented, explained, and discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Gerhard Birkelbach, Wolfgang Grill, Sergey Kuznetsov, and Vitalijs Pavelko "Integral structural health and load monitoring of a helicopter tail boom manufactured from aluminum sheet metal with support from frames and stringers by guided ultrasonic waves", Proc. SPIE 8348, Health Monitoring of Structural and Biological Systems 2012, 83480Y (19 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.914970

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