AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Abstract

Analysis, Test, and Correlation is a common philosophy employed in the development and certification of commercial and military aircraft. This engineering approach is used across many disciplines such as aerodynamics, flight dynamics, propulsion, and structures. We will look at how it is employed for the Loads, Dynamics, and Mass Properties disciplines. Examples will be given of analysis methods used in each discipline along with examples of the testing done. An example of testing done in each of the disciplines, Loads, Dynamics, and Mass Properties, will be described in detail. For Mass Properties, aircraft weighing will be discussed. For Loads, we will cover structural load calibrations and how they are used in flight load validation and flight testing. Dynamics testing includes ground vibration testing and flutter flight testing. Finally, how the test results are used to correlate the analysis will be discussed.

Speaker

Robert Martin

Currently the Engineering Manager for Loads, Dynamics, and Mass Properties at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. He joined Gulfstream during the early phases of G650 product development and has followed the product through development into service. In his current position, he has responsibilities for all of the in-service aircraft including G280, G550, G650, and the newly certified G500. He is also active in the certification of the various G550 Special Mission variants. Prior to Bob’s position at Gulfstream, he worked at McDonnell Douglas/Boeing Defense where he was part of the engineering teams for the F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier II Plus, and X-45 Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) among others. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina. He is a member of the Society of Allied Weight Engineers (SAWE). Bob has been a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) since 1984 and currently serves on the Modeling and Simulation Technical Committee.