Structural defect detection system for aircraft - uses modal analysis via detected oscillation of aircraft structure and comparison with aircraft model

摘要

The defect detection system uses a generator providing sinusoidal or noise signals, with sensors measuring the resulting oscillation of different parts of the aircraft. A processor provides a transfer function using the quotient of the sensor signals and the generator signals, for modal analysis of the aircraft structure. The measured transfer function is approximated by mathematical functions to obtain the characteristic oscillation of the aircraft structure compared with that for a model of the aircraft structure to allow defects to be identified. ADVANTAGE - Allows defect to be detected and localised.