Exploring new technical environment for Ground Vibration Test for the Extra Performance Wing Airbus UpNext project

Kurzfassung

Performing a Ground Vibration Test (GVT) is a prerequisite prior to first flight to secure the flight envelope opening. Such an early identification is particularly important for a new aircraft prototype featuring innovative technical solutions for real-time control of dynamic response and loads on the airframe. The eXtra Performance Wing flight test vehicle is a high-aspect ratio wing demonstrator on a modified business jet. This Airbus research project will support the launch of a "next-generation single-aisle" aircraft. Some of the flight test objectives are aiming to develop new technology bricks for load alleviation or active flutter suppression in order to increase wing aspect ratio while remaining neutral in terms of weight. Detailed identification of the structural dynamic characteristics and refined modelling of the dynamic response of the structure are key enablers to support those new developments. This paper describes the details of this GVT in terms of testing objectives for modal identification of six aircraft configurations. Specific testing set-up was designed and implemented with the contribution of the three vibration testing teams of Airbus, DLR & ONERA. This paper provides some technical insights into the challenges to identify the dynamic contribution / interaction of the multiple control surfaces implemented on this wing. Given the unique design of the eXtra Performance Wing flight test vehicle, the campaign also involved cutting-edge GVT methods to support the identification of nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the aircraft to support future GVT testing solutions. State-of-the-art instrumentation techniques and layouts were implemented with a large number of external accelerometers. This was enhanced with the introduction of a specific tool suite allowing the synchronization and the merging with the aircraft Flight Test Instrumentation (FTI) sensors (Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric accelerometers, MicroElectroMechanical System accelerometers or Inertial Measurement Units). Various types of electrodynamic shakers were used according to the specificities of the airframe components or expected amplitudes of the dynamic response.