Abstract: A system is provided for structural load assessment of an aircraft. An approximator may receive parameters related to a ground or flight event and calculate the resulting response load on the aircraft using a machine learning algorithm and a structural dynamics model of the aircraft. An analysis engine may compare the calculated response load to a corresponding design load for determining the structural severity of the ground or flight event on the aircraft. A maintenance engine may then automatically perform or trigger a maintenance activity for the aircraft in instances in which the structural severity of the ground or flight event causes a limit exceedance state of the aircraft or at least one structural element thereof.

Abstract: A method for damping aeroelastic modes, including limit cycle oscillations (LCO), is implemented by determining a mass for a tuned mass damper (TMD) based on an modal frequency for a mode having a potentially positive growth rate and attaching a TMD to at least one attachment point with significant motion such that a damping axis of the tuned mass damper is substantially oriented in a direction aligned with the local modal deflection.

Abstract: In one embodiment an aircraft landing evaluation system comprises a first sensor to detect at least one landing trigger condition in an aircraft landing environment and a second sensor to detect at least one touchdown trigger condition in the aircraft landing environment. The system further comprises a processor coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, and a memory module coupled to the processor. The memory module comprises logic instructions stored in a computer readable medium which, when executed, configure the processor to collect a plurality of flight parameters associated with the aircraft landing, and to collect a one or more additional flight parameters associated with the aircraft landing. A subset of the plurality of flight parameters are stored in a computer readable memory module coupled to the processing device, and may be presented on a display device coupled to the processing device.

Abstract: A method for damping aeroelastic modes, including limit cycle oscillations (LCO), is implemented by determining a mass for a tuned mass damper (TMD) based on an modal frequency for a mode having a potentially positive growth rate and attaching a TMD to at least one attachment point with significant motion such that a damping axis of the tuned mass damper is substantially oriented in a direction aligned with the local modal deflection.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting a hard landing or other high load event of an aircraft and then automatically triggering a report of such hard landing event. A sink rate algorithm is used to estimate the altitude rate of a main gear. The sink rate algorithm uses a plurality of flight parameters to estimate the main gear altitude rate, preferably including at least the following: pitch altitude, radio altitude, vertical acceleration, body pitch rate and vertical speed. This invention has the potential to reduce the number of unnecessary structural inspections, and may also limit the scope of any such required inspections.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a hard landing or other high load event of an aircraft are disclosed. A heuristic algorithm may be used to estimate loads experienced by the aircraft during landing. The heuristic algorithm may use flight parameters and/or measured sensor information to estimate the loads. The heuristic algorithm may be trained by means of analytical loads predictions and/or test measurements. The heuristic algorithm may be updated during operation. This invention may potentially reduce the number of unnecessary structural inspections, and may also limit the scope of any such required inspections.

Abstract: Means for mounting an engine to an aircraft are provided which reduce the dynamic response of the airframe due to engine vibration. A mount comprises at least one strut extending between the engine and the airframe which is attached to the airframe by means of damping elements.