Knowledge area(s)

aerodynamic load inertia load loads database aeroelasticity fatigue A generic flexible aircraft loads database system for fatigue analysis Aircraft Loads Database visualized for three parameters Mach, Altitude (ft) and Fuel Weight (lb), bullets representing computed Points-In-The-Sky (PITS). Problem area In most cases, the actual loads spectrum of a military aircraft deviates from the design loads spectrum. The deviation can be attributed to changes in the types of mission, an introduction of new stores, etc. Such changes influence the fatigue life of the aircraft. To keep up with the actual usage of an aircraft, the maintenance plan has to be continuously revised. Input for such a revision is commonly based on measured data, i.e. post-analysis of flown missions, at limited locations in the aircraft structure. To enable comprehensive studies concerning the effects of future changes to the fatigue life of an aircraft, a complementary fatigue life prediction tool is needed. Such a tool can be employed to plan and optimize future changes prior to their implementation. Towards this fatigue life prediction tool, a research program is carried out at NLR focusing on the generation of loads sequences due to aircraft usage inputs.