Trained Network Force Measurement System for Aircraft/Store Interfaces

This proposal addresses the development of new methodology and supporting technology to predict reaction forces in weapon store connections of naval aircraft. The proposed methodology utilizes a strain gage-based measurement technique in which a series of sensors are calibrated with a set of known loading configurations. The sensitivity matrix relating the measured strains to the loads forms the core of a system. The efficacy of this network will improve as more strain gages are added and more calibration load cases are applied. The feasibility of the proposed technique on a simple but representative test specimen was successfully demonstrated both analytically and experimentally in Phase I. The Phase II effort will improve upon the concepts developed in Phase I to include implementation of a strain measurement system based upon optical gages, development of a true 6-DOF calibration testing rig, and a methodology for optimal placement of strain gage locations. Further validation and advanced development of the system technology for practical implementation will be achieved through in-house testing during the Phase II base contract and shake table testing at China Lake Naval Air Station during the Phase II Option.