AIRBUS A350 XWB GVT: State-of-the-Art Techniques to Perform a Faster and Better GVT Campaign

Abstract

In April and May 2013, the ONERA-DLR specialized team has performed the GVT (Ground Vibration Testing) campaigns of the new composite design AIRBUS A350 XWB. The first GVT was performed on the first aircraft prototype with duration of nine measurement days. Another GVT was performed within two measurement days on the third prototype with focus on the nose landing gear dynamics.

The very short time devoted to those test campaigns, imposed by a strict and busy planning from AIRBUS A350 XWB FAL (Final Assembly Line), required to adapt test techniques and methods and an optimized workflow to meet the challenging test requirements.

A strong synergy between AIRBUS, ONERA and DLR teams allowed performing the shortest GVT campaign on a long range aircraft never before realized. The test program involved mixing PSM (Phase Separation Methods) and PRM (Phase Resonance Methods), addressing nonlinear behaviours. Due to novel database systems, the most complete modal model database ever delivered was obtained.

This paper is devoted to describe the processes followed and the methods used in this particularly hard context and how those contributed to the successful achievement of this demanding test campaign.