In-Flight Wing Deformation measurements on an A380 using IPCT

Abstract

Aircraft wings are subject to deflection. Designers must therefore take in-flight wing bending and torsion into account, so that structural loads are well taken care of and that the wing has optimum aerodynamic performance. Models are used to calculate wing torsion and bending. These models need to be validated in flight and therefore non-intrusive measurement methods are preferred in order to avoid aerodynamic interferences. A photogrammetry method is already applied for these measurements, although the method has some constraints. Only static measurements are provided and accuracy depends on careful and time-consuming calibrations. Within the AIM (Advanced In-flight Measurement techniques) project various novel advanced non-intrusive measurement techniques are introduced for usage in flight.