Prediction of Rotor Loads from Fixed-component Sensor Data and Flight Parameters

Accurate prediction of loads imparted to the rotor head over a variety of flight conditions is critical to the maintenance and fatigue life estimation of rotorcraft. As direct mounting of load-measuring sensors on the moving components is not feasible, we propose to develop a technology that predicts rotor loads with state-of-the-art rotorcraft aerodynamic and structures models, and incorporates data from sensors located on the fixed components of rotorcraft. Our rotorcraft models have been thoroughly validated and accredited by the government, industry and academia. Combined with the teams expertise in rotorcraft simulations and data analysis as applied to both testing as well as aircraft design, and sensor characterization and analysis, the proposed technology seeks to address the Navys need for a physics-based model to accurately predict rotor loads during multiple flight conditions.