Rapid Repair Analysis Tool

A computational system is required that accelerates the process of dispositioning damage to aircraft in the fleet and serves as a repository for completed repair projects that can be documented, referenced and shared. This system, which we refer to as the Rapid Repair Analysis Tool (RaRAT), will contain validated/certified analysis methods, both closed-form and FEA-based, that can be readily employed to design a repair for a given location on the aircraft and type of damage. The complexities of aircraft structure and uniqueness of damage creates a formidable challenge to develop a comprehensive tool that standardizes the repair design process. However, rapid advances in computer aided engineering (CAE) technology in the last decade make it possible to achieve substantial improvements in reliability and efficiency. For standardized stress analysis procedures, closed-form solutions can be replaced by FEA-based solutions providing a more accurate solution of the real problem. The benefits of this transition are; reduced reliance on physical testing, increased productivity, avoidance of unnecessary replication of analysis, and preservation of best practices.