Reliability-Driven Analysis, Design and Characterization of Rotorcraft Structures: Decision-Making Framework

Abstract

The objective of this work is a definition of a decision-making framework for reliability-driven assessment and corresponding methods of solutions, considering uncertainty, structural/material imperfections, missed information, randomness of input data, etc. More specifically, such framework is proposed to integrate critical steps including design, analysis, and experimental characterization and is suggested for typical rotorcraft and aircraft structures. The paper highlights details of the framework, key questions to address and proposed decision-making checklist for the assessment. Demonstrations of the framework are shown on cases of analysis, representing real structures, and on design studies based on their system-level understanding. In addition, enhanced solutions are shown for experimental characterization, specifically focused on assessment of variability and imperfections.