Control Surface Buffet Load Measurement

High performance military aircraft require reliable measurement of critical loads on control surfaces during maneuvering and dynamic events such as wing buffet. Innovative Dynamics proposes to investigate a distributed sensor network to continuously monitor the structural integrity of control surfaces especially when in buffeting or flutter situations. Phase I will design a Buffet Load Measurement System Architecture for application to the JSF control surfaces. This will include the development of patch sensors and electronics for making vibration load measurements including the collection, transmission, and storage of sensor time and feature data. The end goal is the development of a structural diagnostic tool that will integrate with the on-board aircraft HUMS box and display post flight buffet load data along with other key aircraft parameters. This will allow users to determine exactly when and where flutter conditions occur during the flight profile. Phase II will develop the system hardware network for demonstration on an actual control surface in a wind tunnel or vibration table demonstration. Phase III will integrate sensors into manufactured parts using direct write processes. Successful demonstration of the system will lead to development of a HUMS based diagnostic tool for monitoring of critical surfaces on high performance aircraft.