Flight validation of an embedded structural health monitoring system for an unmanned aerial vehicle

Kressel, I and Dorfman, B and Botsev, Y and Handelman, A and Balter, J and Pillai, ACR and Prasad, MH and Gupta, Nitesh and Joseph, AM and Sundaram, Ramesh and Tur, M (2015) Flight validation of an embedded structural health monitoring system for an unmanned aerial vehicle. Smart Materials and Structures, 24 (7). pp. 1-10. ISSN 0964-1726

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Abstract

This paper presents the design and flight validation of an embedded fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) based structural health monitoring (SHM) system for the Indian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Nishant. The embedding of the sensors was integrated with the manufacturing process, taking into account the trimming of parts and assembly considerations. Reliable flight data were recorded on board the vehicle and analyzed so that deviations from normal structural behaviors could be identified, evaluated and tracked. Based on the data obtained, it was possible to track both the loads and vibration signatures by direct sensors’ cross correlation using principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). Sensor placement combined with proper ground calibration, enabled the distinction between strain and temperature readings. The start of a minor local structural temporary instability was identified during landing, proving the value of such continuous structural airworthy assessment for UAV structures.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Copyright to this article belongs to M/s. Institute of Physics Publishing
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Fiber bragg grating;Smart structure;Structural health monitoring
Subjects:	AERONAUTICS > Aeronautics (General) AERONAUTICS > Aerodynamics
Depositing User:	Ms. Alphones Mary
Date Deposited:	04 Jul 2016 10:24
Last Modified:	04 Jul 2016 10:24
URI:	http://nal-ir.nal.res.in/id/eprint/12490

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