Airbus Streamlines Ground Vibration Testing for A350-1000

Optimized testing method shortens validation phase from nine days to two.

Airbus introduced an optimized method for ground vibration testing with its A350-1000 jetliner, significantly reducing the time needed to complete this required step in an aircraft’s flight test and certification. (Image courtesy of Airbus.)

Airbus introduced an optimized method for ground vibration testing with its A350-1000 jetliner, significantly reducing the time needed to complete this required step in an aircraft’s flight test and certification. (Image courtesy of Airbus.)

Ground vibration testing is a crucial phase in an aircraft’s development, measuring the aircraft’s dynamic behavior to validate theoretical models of various flight conditions. These include manoeuvring as well as flying and landing in gusty wind conditions.

Since ground vibration testing is a necessary step in an aircraft’s certification for flightworthiness, any time that can be shaved off the testing process can yield significant savings for the manufacturer. As a result, aerospace manufacturers are highly motivated to streamline the testing process.

Case in point, Airbus announced that it was able to complete ground vibration testing on the A350-1000 in only two days. In comparison, testing for the A350-900 takes nine days, and previous Airbus jetliners have required over a month.

To achieve this reduction, Airbus capitalized on its success in reducing the testing time for the A350-900, of which the A350-1000 is a derivative. Building on the knowledge gained through its previous testing efforts, the company assembled a multifunctional team to shorten and simplify the testing process.

“We brought together people from different domains,” explained Nicolas Lastère, a flight physics engineer in the Loads and Aeroelastics department at Airbus Commercial Aircraft. “The feedback and our results are a clear demonstration that different functions can work well together.”

This is not the first time the A350-1000 has benefited from the company’s experience with the A350-900. In November of last year, the A350-1000 completed its first of three test flights, all taking place in less than a year thanks to Airbus’ experience with the original A350-900 test campaign.

Based on the streamlined ground vibration testing’s success for the A350-1000, the method will now also be used for the A330neo–which is scheduled to perform its initial take-off in the first half of 2017.

For more information, visit the Airbus website.

Written by

Ian Wright

Ian is a senior editor at engineering.com, covering additive manufacturing and 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing. Ian holds bachelors and masters degrees in philosophy from McMaster University and spent six years pursuing a doctoral degree at York University before withdrawing in good standing.