Optical In-Flight Wing Deformation Measurements with the Image Pattern Correlation Technique

Abstract

This chapter addresses image based deformation measurements and the development of specific optical deformation metrology for experimental flight test installations. Apart from the technical background it is a contribution to the national funded research projects FTEG-InnoLA and HINVA (LuFo IV). Based on a standard setup the measurement equipment required to perform the Image Pattern Correlation Technique (IPCT) was adapted to an application on an ultralight aircraft. In order to design the test setup a digital camera mock-up (camera DMU) was used. The analysis of selected flight test data proved the capability of the miniaturized IPCT system. A second flight test setup was developed for the DLR research aircraft Airbus A320 “ATRA” using the experience gained from the ultralight measurements. Here, the design of the IPCT components also made use of the camera DMU. Both the overall wing deformation and that of high lift devices have been measured in high-lift configuration.