Structural monitoring, inspection and analysis
Structural monitoring to optimise the projectable maintenance
Through-life monitoring and continuous observation of the loads and strains on aircraft ensure a higher level of safety, reliability and enhance availability. Comparing real-life strains with verification qualification results provides valuable input on the determination of an aircraft‘s service life consumption. We have many years of experience in structural monitoring to optimise conditionoriented maintenance.
Structural health monitoring (SHM)
Efficient and permanent monitoring of structural integrity:
- Strain data acquisition using sensor technology
- Flight parameter acquisition via the Onboard-Life-Monitoring-System (OLMOS)
- Correlation of measured structural loads with flight parameters
- Software-driven determination of service life consumption using in-service and test load spectra
Fatigue management
Database-driven control of service life-relevant material sustainment measures (LEDA)
- Weakness identification and analysis
- Leveraging of know-how gained from comprehensive measurement programmes to individual aircraft (operational load measurement)
- Use of modern technologies for the in-flight acquisition of flight and structural load parameters (flight load measurement)
- Comparison of operation and qualification strains
Creation and realisation of concepts for the inspection as well as repairs / modifications
- Analytical condition inspection and usage-dependent measures
- Special inspections
- Teardown inspections
NDT Services
Ensuring the structural integrity of an aircraft requires specific structural analyses and adapted structural inspections (visual, NDT). IABG provides expert advice concerning suitable measures for sustaining structural integrity and provide qualified technical personnel to perform structural inspections.
Structural Inspection
Whether in our testing laboratories or on-site, we carry out inspections in a flexible manner, using the state-of-the-art technology to exceed our customers’ expectations. Our highly experienced specialists are qualified up to Level III under EN ISO 9712 or EN 4179 (NAS410) in Eddy Current Testing (ET), Ultrasonic testing (UT), Dye Penetrant Testing (PT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Visual Testing (VT) and XRay.
Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)
- Advising on the application of SHM sensors
- Collaboration on research programmes
- Preparation of feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses
- Validation, verification and qualification of SHM sensor technologies
Failure Analysis
IABG materials testing laboratory is an independent facility accredited for material and failure analyses. Our methods and reports comply with the VDI 3822 standard.
- Material analysis
- Root cause investigation
- Failure prevention measures
Technical and Scientific Consultancy
- Selection of inspection techniques and preparation of associated specifications
- Development and validation of NDT procedures
- Performance of non-destructive inspections
- Optimisation of structural inspections using NDT techniques
- Consultancy and quality assurance for the development and manufacturing of structures
Inspection and Damage Documentation
- Compilation of inspection manuals (Non-destructive Testing Manual)
- Design and manufacture of calibration standards within the framework of the inspection manual
- Documentation of inspection results according to customer requirements, or IABG performance
Damage documentation and damage management are captured in the software DamDoc, an IABG serverbased database. The experience of numerous structural fatigue tests on aircrafts is integrated in the database and enables via various interfaces the safe and fast communication and coordination with our customers.
Structural analysis
Structural components can be analysed in our own materials testing laboratory (accredited in compliance with DIN EN ISO 17025). We conduct the tests in combination with structural strength calculations and damage analyses.
Material investigations
- Determination of material properties
- Material qualification
- Further development of test methods and repair procedures
- Characterisation of composite materials
Strength tests, calculations, method development
- Identification of static, cyclic and fracture-mechanical properties in sample tests, including effects of thermal constraints
- Establishment and parameterisation of material models
- Evaluation of operational loads
- Calculation of local strains and damage distribution
- Optimisation of components with respect to fatigue strength
- Development and optimisation of calculation and verification methods
- Fatigue strength verification
Certification advice
Our experienced employees provide the following support in connection with the certification of new aircraft:
- Consulting, certification-related technical evaluation and analysis of airframe, propulsion system, aircraft performance, avionics, software safety and IT security
- Consulting and assistance with project planning, test management, certification methodology and procedures
- Technical and scientific advice on structural issues in connection with the development and operation of aircraft
- Evaluation of structural issues in connection with the certification and qualification of aircraft
- EASA-qualified entity (EASA.2012.DE.QEIABG.01)
