Data Trend Monitoring and End Level Verification - Tools to Reduce Data Storage in Full-Scale Aircraft Fatigue Tests

The reduction in cost of large data acquisition systems and the ease of taking data has encouraged analysts to demand more and more data from full-scale structural tests. However, this can lead to excessive data storage requirements. Furthermore, the amount of data can sometimes result in data handling difficulties, which prevent convenient and timely examination of the data.

New trend monitoring and load checking systems are described that can reduce the amount of data that must be stored. These systems also provide the user with very rapid feedback during a test of any changes in either the structure or the testing system. Examples of the use of these features in a full-scale fatigue test of a fighter aircraft wing are provided.