Innovative Method for Strain Sensor Calibration on Fleet Aircraft

The proposed program addresses the development, manufacturing, and testing of a prototype system to experimetally measure strain gage calibration factors for fleet aircraft. These strain gage calibration factors will be used to determine loads for fatigue calculations. An innovative design concept was developed for this purpose in Phase I of this program. This design consists of applying a known static load that adequately represents loads that most contribute to fatigue. These loads are then used to calibrate measured strain gage readings.The Phase II effort will concentrate on extending the static load concept to a Navy F-18 fighter aircraft. A prototype unit will be designed, built, and tested to assess feasibility. Key factors in assessing feasibility will be ease of use, accuracy, and consistency of measurements. Modifications to the unit will be made based on the results of this testing. A second unit will be designed, built, and tested as a final figure of merit. Once completed, a feasibility design for a modified system that can be implemented for the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will be performed to conclude the Phase II program. A Phase II Option in also included which would build and test this JSF variant.