Fiber Bragg Grating Based Load Monitoring for Carrier-Based Aircraft Main Landing Gear.

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Aircraft main landing gear (MLG) requires precise load monitoring during take-off and landing.
• Existing monitoring systems may lack the accuracy and dimensionality needed for complex load conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a 3D load regression system using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors for MLG.
• To ensure accurate strain acquisition and effective structural load monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Utilized FBG sensors with high strain resolution (1 με) and sensitivity (1.18 pm/με).
• Performed 3D modeling and static simulation of the MLG to determine optimal sensor placement.
• Developed a sensor networking scheme and calibrated ground static load.
• Constructed a strain-load regression matrix model using collected strain data.

Main Results:

• The FBG sensor system effectively monitors MLG structural loads.
• The developed system achieved a prediction accuracy with an error within 4% between back-calculated and applied loads.
• Verified the reliability of the strain-load regression model's predictions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed 3D load regression system based on FBG sensors is effective for MLG load monitoring.
• The system offers a reliable and accurate solution for real-time load assessment in aircraft operations.
• This technology contributes to improved structural health monitoring and aviation safety.