T. Baudendistel, M. Corbett, E. A. Walters, K. Miller, J. Williams, J. Wells, S. Pekarek, M. Rotea, S. Field, , S. Peecher, N. Kumbar, M. Wolff, J. Dalton, P. Lamm
It will be shown that through coupling a set of multi-physics tools in a sensor suite, a comprehensive prognostics and health management system (PHM) for aircraft generators and associated electrical systems can be developed. Specifically, using DHS, component and system-level simulations, using Hardware-In-The-Loop (HIL), of aircraft generator systems under nominal and failure modes can be performed efficiently. Using the simulation results obtained, the vibration sensor, unique monitoring concepts and advanced signal conditioning are coupled to establish an approach that can effectively detect component degradation and predict time-to-failure, and to develop feedback-based strategies for operation of generator electrical systems under component degradation or failure.
In addition, as aircraft power demands continue to increase with the increase in electrical subsystems. These subsystems directly affect the behavior of the power and propulsion systems and can no longer be neglected in system analyses. The performance of the whole aircraft must also be considered with the combined interactions between the power and propulsion systems. The larger loading demands placed on the power and propulsion subsystems result in thrust, speed, and altitude transients that affect the whole aircraft. This results in different operating parameters for the engine. The complex models designed to integrate new capabilities have a high computational cost. This paper investigates the possibility of using a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) analysis with real time integration of the aircraft/propulsion system. Using this method, a significant reduction in computational runtime is observed, and the airframe/turbine engine model is usable in a HIL environment. This also allows for a more complete analysis of the interactions between engine loading and aircraft performance by including some real hardware components. The dynamic interactions between aircraft subsystems highlight the need for system-level modeling using a combination of high-fidelity computer models and hardware in a real-time environment. Hence, maintaining the war fighting capabilities by extending the life of the aircraft electrical systems.
IAPG Mechanical Workgroup, May 2007, Alexandria, VA. Contact information: baudendistel@pcka.com