Case Study – Static Aircraft Testing

Interface is a preferred supplier of precision force measurement solutions to the aerospace industry. Our products are widely used to perform critical testing on all types of commercial, industrial and military aircraft.

During the development and manufacture of all types of aircraft, static testing is commonly used to validate designs and components, measure assembly, and confirm performance and regulatory requirements. The accuracy and reliability of all sensors and instruments used in these tests are critical to the testing programs and ensure the safety of pilots, passengers and the public when these vehicles become airborne.

What is a static test?

Static testing is a type of structural testing that allows engineers to analyze the structural integrity of an aircraft while it is on the ground. This is a useful part of the pre-flight testing process that helps speed up the certification process by eliminating the need for a finished and fully functional aircraft to go through the entire aerospace vehicle manufacturing process.

What role does interface play in the static testing of aircraft?

Our solutions for force measurement, such as: b. Precision load cells and torque transducers, play an important role in static testing as the results of force analysis are used in almost all structural tests. Interface produces both standard and custom solutions used by leading component and aircraft manufacturers. These sensor products are used on a static test stand to test frame structure integrity, durability and service life, the aim generally being to validate the aircraft design and ensure that established criteria are met. The rigorous accuracy is necessary because in aerospace, every micrometer and every gram makes a difference in the performance and safety of an aircraft design.

Static testing applications for aircraft jacking systems and thrust testing for jet engines

In the new case study on aircraft static testing, we described two use cases and explained how interface products are used specifically in aircraft static testing. These examples show how our products are deployed and used to test an aircraft jacking system and provide a solution for thrust testing of an engine.

When statically testing an aircraft jacking system, our WTS 1200 LowProfile® wireless load cells are attached to the jacking points to measure the weights and forces on an aircraft. Our advanced wireless telemetry system enables the collection of real-time data, e.g. B. the individual load cells attached to each lifting point or alarms that are triggered when a certain force value is exceeded.

For the static thrust tests of the jet engines, Interface's LowProfile™ 1000 load cell with its high capacity and fatigue resistance was best suited. The load cell responded to the thrust forces generated by the jet engine, and the signals were collected and recorded to create a “thrust curve” of the engine.

To read the full case study on static testing an aircraft, go here.

To learn more about the many ways Interface can provide the aerospace industry with world-class power products and total solutions, watch this video showing the types of products we use for static and other test and measurement programs deliver in this industry.