ATA ENGINEERING, INC. — Department of Defense STTR Phase II: This proposal addresses the development of new methodology and supporting technology to pr

Description

This proposal addresses the development of new methodology and supporting technology to predict reaction forces in weapon store connections of naval aircraft. The proposed methodology utilizes a strain gage-based measurement technique in which a series of sensors are calibrated with a set of known loading configurations. The sensitivity matrix relating the measured strains to the loads forms the core of a system. The efficacy of this network will improve as more strain gages are added and more calibration load cases are applied. The feasibility of the proposed technique on a simple but representative test specimen was successfully demonstrated both analytically and experimentally in Phase I. The Phase II effort will improve upon the concepts developed in Phase I to include implementation of a strain measurement system based upon optical gages, development of a true 6-DOF calibration testing rig, and a methodology for optimal placement of strain gage locations. Further validation and advanced development of the system technology for practical implementation will be achieved through in-house testing during the Phase II base contract and shake table testing at China Lake Naval Air Station during the Phase II Option.