A microprocessor based system for vibration testing of aircraft structures

Abstract

The author describes an instrumentation system for studying the dynamics of aircraft structures and helicopter rotor blade models. The requirements of various systems for microprocessor-based vibration control and analysis of various systems and details of the instrument are presented. The design of a microprocessor system based on DSP (digital signal processing) microprocessors, an interface to various signal sensors, sensor mounting and selection criteria, signal transmission from the rotating structure to a microprocessor input port, signal processing algorithms, multiblade coordinate transformation, and mode shape analyzer implementation details are discussed. The advantages of using multiple DSP microprocessors for this application are given. Advantages such as online display of the result at the testing site, flexibility, and accuracy are highlighted.<>