Active loose bolt detection in a complex satellite structure

Abstract

This work focuses on the detection, localization, and quantification of damage in the form of loose bolts on an isogrid satellite structure. In the process of rapid satellite development and deployment, it is necessary to quickly complete several levels of validation tests. Structural Health Monitoring methods are being investigated as a means for reducing the number of validation tests required. This method for detecting loose bolts enables quick confirmation of proper assembly, and verification that structural fasteners are still intact after validation testing. Within this testing framework, feature selection is presented as well as a localization methodology. Quantification of fastener torque is also developed. Locating damage in an isogrid structure is complicated by the directionally dependent dispersion characteristics caused by a propagating wave passing through ribs and holes. For this reason, an actuation frequency with the best first wave arrival clarity is selected. A methodology is presented in which a time map is constructed for each actuator-sensor pair which establishes times of flight for each location on the sample. Differences in time between healthy and damaged sensor signals are then extracted and used to create a map of possible damage locations. These resulting solution maps are merged yielding a final damage position. Fastener torque is correlated to a damage parameter, and the loose bolt position is calculated within 3 cm.