Aircraft Fatigue Analysis in the Digital Age

摘要

With the unending pursuit of efficiency by operators comes the requirement to continuously review the design and usage parameters of aircraft. Improved fatigue analysis offers a plethora of opportunities to provide not only benefits for design, but also tailored solutions on a case-by-case basis, including the optimisation of maintenance schedules without compromise to safety. In order to unlock the full potential of a digital approach to fatigue, it is essential to take advantage of the huge volume of data now available, from meteorological conditions encountered to mission type flown. By applying a 'big data' mentality to more traditional analysis, limitless parameters will build a vast database of information to create the 'Aircraft Fatigue Model'; operators will no longer be required to adhere to restrictions based on average fleet usage. This paper discusses the strategy for moving aircraft fatigue analysis into the digital age, through the creation of the Aircraft Fatigue Model and digital twins, to the application of 'big data' analytics and the subsequent deliverables and benefits to operators unique to the digitalisation approach.