Abstract
Damage tolerance management of aircraft and rotorcraft components is becoming a necessity. Adaptive structures have a great role to play in the success of implementation of damage tolerance methodologies. However, in current industry practices, there is not widespread application of damage tolerance methods and adaptive structures. The general considerations for damage tolerant management of aircraft and rotorcraft components are outlined, with the focus mainly on rotorcraft dynamic components. Some available and emerging nondestructive evaluation methods suitable for application on metallic components are discussed. Last, cost benefit analysis and formulations that can be useful for future computation of the cost for damage tolerance management of the aircraft and rotorcraft components are described in detail. For widespread acceptance of smart structures and sensors technologies for damage tolerance management, proven studies of such technologies on flight systems and favorable economic benefits are essential. It is envisaged that the outlined criteria and cost benefit analysis for damage tolerance management would enable the adaptive structures community to implement their technologies for industrial applications.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1676-1684 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Aircraft |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2006 |