A demonstration of structural health monitoring, damage assessment and augmented reality in aviation maintenance and repair tasks.
The Airbrake demonstrator’s principal structure is comprised of two carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) shells that are bonded together to carry the load.
The project demonstrates the possibility of future aircraft maintenance based on augmented reality, remote collaboration and a decentralised database (digital twin), using the Airbrake as an example. The demonstration includes a structural health monitoring system for in-service inspection based on ultrasonic waves (Lamb waves). Finally, the impact of the observed damage will be determined using a software-based in-situ structural analysis. This is the basis for a local decision on the operational capability of the entire aircraft.
Inspection tasks can be carried out using augmented reality glasses, in this case the Microsoft HoloLens. The sensors integrated into the glasses allow autonomous spatial orientation (inside-out tracking). The system is therefore an interface for the exchange of information between the real components and its digital twin. Such a system has the potential to increase maintenance quality and significantly reduce aircraft costs and downtime.
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Composite Structures and Adaptive Systems
Robert Kaps · E-Mail: robert.kaps@dlr.de · DLR.de
