Evaluating performance of methodologies for estimating unknown forces – SWAT (sum of weighted acceleration techniques) for aircraft ground testing

Abstract

Force reconstruction is a critical engineering tool for estimating unknown forces on target structures, such as aerodynamic loads. This process is essential in aerospace engineering, where accurate force estimation is essential for ensuring structural integrity, optimizing performance, and enhancing safety during aircraft testing. The Sum of Weighted Acceleration Techniques (SWAT) offers an experimental approach to force estimation in scenarios where direct measurement is unfeasible, such as wind tunnel testing. By leveraging experimental data, SWAT eliminates the need for detailed structural knowledge, making it a valuable tool in addressing unique challenges in aircraft testing. However, its performance reliability has not been evaluated in comparison with other approaches. This paper evaluates SWAT alongside high-fidelity numerical and analytical methods, demonstrating its feasibility for practical applications in aerodynamic testing and force reconstruction on aircraft structures. Analytical procedures, such as modal analysis or finite element methods, refine precision and broaden the applicability of SWAT, offering a streamlined methodology to enhance clarity and deepen understanding of its capabilities and limitations. SWAT-derived principles accurately reconstruct input forces from acceleration responses, particularly aerodynamic forces on aircraft components. The findings confirm its utility in real-world engineering, such as optimizing aircraft design for resilience, efficiency, and safety. It makes SWAT a pivotal tool in advancing reliable and material-efficient mechanical systems in the aerospace industry, especially in minimizing the measurement errors in wind tunnel testing.