Accelerating Full Scale Fatigue Testing
A technical paper presentation at Vertical Flight Society’s 79th Annual Forum
William Bradshaw, SVP / Chief Engineer, Dayton T. Brown Inc., Bohemia, NY, USA
Dr. Pavan Vaddadi, Technical Specialist, Dayton T. Brown Inc., Bohemia, NY, USA
ABSTRACT:
This paper will discuss the use of Model Predictive Control (MPC) to increase the speed and accuracy of airframe fatigue testing.
This will save time and cost while providing a very high fidelity test that will greatly reduce future fleet problems.
Additionally accelerating fatigue testing allows for more realistic test load spectrum to be utilized, with reduced amounts of spectrum truncation and artificial load increases.
A new load control system under development by Dayton T Brown, Inc. (DTB) utilizes Model Predictive Control (MPC) rather than Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) load control to compute test actuator loads.
MPC utilizes a model of the test system, a Digital Twin, to determine the best path forward to reduce loading errors and increase test load application rate.
Download VFS-Paper-Final.PDF
About Dayton T. Brown, Inc.
For over 70 years, Dayton T. Brown, Inc. (DTB) has been synonymous with excellence and exceptional customer service. As a leading organization in testing, engineering, logistics, technical publications, and military mission system, DTB has earned national respect and recognition.
Established in 1950 and headquartered in Bohemia, NY, the company has evolved into three divisions: Engineering & Test, Technical Services, and Mission Systems, each with diverse yet complementary operations. Within the Mission Systems Division, situated in PAX River, MD, DTB offers mobile SCIF trailers and a comprehensive range of aircraft modifications capabilities to support vital missions.
With a wealth of engineering expertise, DTB possesses the necessary breadth and depth to comprehend system requirements, encompassing design, prototyping, production, and mission support. We are dedicated to delivering the optimal solution for your mission-critical program.