ASSESSING THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF POAF AIRCRAFT

摘要

This paper describes the methodology presently used on Portuguese Air Force aircrafts to assess fatigue life in order to maintain the aircrafts' structural integrity. This methodology uses experimental flight data collected by instrumentation systems, fitted in a discrete number of aircrafts. From the analysis of the recorded flight data, and other administrative data necessary to expand the results to a complete fleet, crack growth propagation models are developed. The resulting information is then used on the operational and logistical management of the complete fleet, I.e.: planning of the operational fleet usage; planning of non-destructive inspections and maintenance actions; management of all related logistical aspects. This methodology has been applied on VOUGHT A-7P Corsair II, LOCKHEED P-3P Orion, Lockheed C-130H Hercules, Socata Epsilon and Dassault/Dornier Alpha-Jet fleets. They will be exemplified by the Dassa ult/Dornier Alpha-Jet application.The Portuguese Flight Test Workgroup, being responsible for the development, implementation and operation of the instrumentation systems, has developed one cheap, modular and flexible Flight Load Data Recorder prototype, based in the application of the PC/104 standard. This system is also briefly presented.