Embedded Sensor Models for Fastened Structure Load Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing fastened structures, such as aircraft, faces challenges in accurately determining local loads and load distributions due to difficulties in measuring performance characteristics like displacements, rotations, and stiffness during thermo-mechanical testing, which is costly and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating an electronic design model of a fastened structure with embedded sensor models to monitor measurement parameters under simulated loads, allowing for the detection and comparison of load conditions against predetermined thresholds, facilitating precise analysis and validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical testing is conducted in closed environmental chambers to measure performance characteristics, then measurement capability is provided, but visual and physical measurement of desired behaviors is obscured or occluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital replica of the fastened structure through finite element modeling, embedding sensor models within the electronic design model to replicate and measure performance characteristics virtually, eliminating the need for physical measurement in closed chambers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical mechanical testing with computational simulation, using simulated loads applied to the electronic design model instead of physical loads in environmental chambers, thereby eliminating measurement obstruction while maintaining measurement capability
2Reliability
If physical testing is conducted to evaluate performance characteristics, then experimental validation is achieved, but the process becomes costly and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical testing process through finite element analysis, where sensor models embedded in the electronic design model provide precise measurement data without the costs and limitations of physical testing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of testing from physical to computational, allowing multiple test scenarios to be evaluated by modifying simulation parameters rather than conducting separate physical tests, thereby improving precision while reducing cost
3Loss of information
If comprehensive measurement of all necessary attributes is attempted during physical testing, then complete data collection is achieved, but the process becomes physically impossible at reasonable cost and schedule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal digital model that can evaluate multiple performance characteristics and measurement points simultaneously through a single simulation setup, making comprehensive data collection feasible without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses virtual sensor models embedded in the electronic design model to capture comprehensive data across all critical locations without the physical complexity of installing numerous sensors in the actual structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analysis of a fastened structure includes accessing an electronic design model of the fastened structure, embedding at least one sensor element model within the electronic design model, applying at least one simulated load to the electronic design model, monitoring the measurement parameters using the at least one sensor element model to detect load conditions at the corresponding select location based on the at least one simulated load; and comparing the detected load conditions to predetermined measurement thresholds for the monitored measurement parameters. A fastened structure management system includes a computing system and a storage device in operative communication with the computing system. An analytical computing system for analysis of a fastened structure includes at least one processor and associated memory, at least one electronic storage device and a network interface.