Application of holography to real-time dynamic structural analysis of an advanced graphite-epoxy composite flight control component

Abstract

Holographic Interferometry as been successfully employed to characterize the materials and behavior of diverse types of structures under stress. Specialized variations of this technology have also been applied to define dynamic and vibration related structural behavior. Such applications of holographic technique offer some of the most effective methods of modal and dynamic analysis available. Real-time dynamic testing of the modal and mechanical behavior of aerodynamic control structures for advanced missiles systems has always required advanced instrumentation for data collection in either actual flight test or wind-tunnel simulations. Advanced optical holography techniques are alternate methods when define actual behavioral data on the ground in a nondestructive Hardware-in-the-loop environment. These methods offer significant insight in both the development and subsequent operational test and modeling of advanced composite control structures and their integration with total vehicle system dynamics. Structures and materials can be analyzed with very low amplitude excitation and the resultant data can be used to adjust the accuracy of mathematically derived structural models. Holographic Interferometry offers a powerful tool to aid in the primary engineering and development of advanced graphite-epoxy fiber composite materials for use in advanced aerodynamic platforms. Aircraft, missile, and smart weapon control structure applications must consider environments where extremes in vibration and mechanical stresses can affect both operation and structural stability. These are ideal requisites for unlaces using advanced holographic methods in the initial design and subsequent test of such advanced components. Holographic techniques are nondestructive, real-time, and definitive in allowing the identification of vibrational modes, displacements, and motion geometries. Holographic analysis is also directly indicative of various types of induced mechanical, thermal, and acoustic structural stress related to hidden structural anomalies and defects. Deriving such information can be crucial to the determination of mechanical configurations and designs, as well as critical operational parameters of structures composed of advanced engineering materials.