Evaluation of Critical Geometrical Parameters and Alignment Corrections of Large Size Aerospace Systems

Abstract

Metrological assessment of geometrical, form parameters plays an important role in development of quality hardware of aerospace systems such as missiles. These parameters are critical for mission performance and system evaluation studies. High precision CNC Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are extensively used for evaluating geometrical, form parameters in alignment checks of large missile subsystems, assemblies and tooling. These high precision metrological tools can also be used for geometrical and alignment corrections of critical missile subsystems. Alignment check of integrated missile is an important activity carried out during development of missile system. The critical aerodynamic parameters viz. nose tip deviation, cant angle and orthogonality of wings & fins and propulsion parameters such as thrust axis misalignment are evaluated using geometrical features available on integrated missile. These aerodynamic and propulsion parameters are used for aerodynamic studies and predicting missile trajectory during pre-flight simulation analysis. The deviation in these values directly affects the missile performance during flight. In case of high deviations, the above parameters are corrected mechanically in order to meet the design requirements. This paper brings out the applications and methodologies developed for evaluation and correction of geometrical and form parameters in alignment checks of integrated missiles