Accession Number:

ADA551796

Title:

Reengineering Aircraft Structural Life Prediction Using a Digital Twin

Descriptive Note:

Research article

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH AIR VEHICLES DIRECTORATE

Personal Author(s):

• Tuegel, Eric J.
• Ingraffea, Anthony R.
• Eason, Thomas G.
• Spottswood, S. M.

Report Date:

2011-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

15.0

Abstract:

Reengineering of the aircraft structural life prediction process to fully exploit advances in very high performance digital computing is proposed. The proposed process utilizes an ultrahigh fidelity model of individual aircraft by tail number, a Digital Twin, to integrate computation of structural deflections and temperatures in response to flight conditions, with resulting local damage and material state evolution. A conceptual model of how the Digital Twin can be used for predicting the life of aircraft structure and assuring its structural integrity is presented. The technical challenges to developing and deploying a Digital Twin are discussed in detail.

Descriptors:

• *AIRCRAFT
• *STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
• DAMAGE
• DEFLECTION
• DIGITAL COMPUTERS
• EVOLUTION(GENERAL)
• LIFE EXPECTANCY(SERVICE LIFE)
• REPRINTS
• TEMPERATURE

Subject Categories:

• Aircraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE