ADV STRUCTURES RSCH

Abstract

This project funds basic research for improved tools and methods to enable the structural health monitoring capabilities and condition-based maintenance for rotorcraft and ground vehicles. This research also enables the design and use of composite structures that can better address the cost, weight, performance, and dynamic interaction requirements of future platforms identified by the Army Modernization Strategy. Ultimately, these technologies result in safer, more affordable vehicles with a greatly reduced logistics footprint. This project is a joint Army/NASA effort that includes structures technology research into: structural integrity analyses; failure criteria; inspection methods which address fundamental technology deficiencies in both metallic and composite Army rotorcraft structures; use of composite materials in the design and control of structures through structural tailoring techniques; rotorcraft aeroelastic modeling and simulation; helicopter vibration (rotating and fixed systems); and the design and analyses of composite structures with crashworthiness as a goal. The problems in structures are inaccurate structural analysis and validation methods to predict durability and damage tolerance of composite and metallic rotorcraft structures and inadequate structural dynamics modeling methods for both the rotating and fixed system components to address reliability issues for future aircraft. The technical barriers include a lack of understanding of failure mechanisms, damage progression, residual strength, high-cycle fatigue, the transfer of aerodynamic loads on the rotor to the fixed system, and impact of these unknown loads on aircraft components. Technical solutions are focused on: advanced fatigue methodologies for metallic structures, improved composites technology throughout the vehicle, long-term investigation of integrated stress-strength-inspection, advanced methods for rotor system vehicle vibratory loads prediction, improved methods to predict vehicle stability, and improved analyses to address Army Aviation requirements. These advancements will extend service life, reduce maintenance costs, enhance durability, and reduce the logistics footprint of existing and future Army vehicles. As agreed under Project Reliance, this is the only project for rotorcraft and ground vehicle structures basic research within DoD. The cited work is consistent with the Director, Defense Research and Engineering Strategic Plan, the Department of Defense Basic Research Plan, the Army Modernization Strategy, and the Army Science and Technology Master Plan. Work in this project is performed by the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), located in facilities at the NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, and at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2012
• Source ID: H66_0601102A_1_2040_PB_2012

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Facility/Structural Engineering.
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.