sound & vibration testing
their intended tasks and can be operated
for at least their expected lifetime.
For that reason, every satellite is put on
a vibration table to go through rigorous
testing before launch. The total set-up-time
of such a test is huge, and therefore, the
most cost-effective way of testing the
instrumentation is preferred to save
valuable time. The large amount of test
channels needed and the complexity of
setting up the satellite itself consumes a lot
of man hours, so a streamlined approach
with a dedicated workflow to minimize
errors and standardized process is key.
This a typical Brüel & Kjær application,
where our superior hardware and software
are used to provide reliable data with an
easy access to shock response, swept and
stepped sine, random vibration, and
acoustic testing. The system starts from a
spreadsheet that can be worked on
concurrently by specialists to save time.
The spreadsheet defines all of the sensor
set-ups, real-time monitoring, alarm limits,
trigger levels, post-processing parameters,
pass/fail spectral limits, and metadata.
Another significant time saving capability
of the shock response testing is that the
system can record the entire test, but at
the same time extract testing impulses for
transfer directly to post-processing
without having to visually crop each
impulse. The use of a spreadsheet makes
certain that the exact same postprocessing
parameters are used each time
and that every test can be easily compared
to past testing activities.
STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS
Structural dynamics is an important topic
in aerospace engineering. It covers the
behavior of structures subjected to
dynamic loading. Understanding how
structures behave in action is what enables
engineers to optimize their designs,
AEROSPACETESTINGINTERNATIONAL.COM // SHOWCASE 2020 81
distribution and vibration.
Many experts around the
world are developing these
scenarios, defining the
limits and areas of interest.
Of course, they would like
to observe the test while
running and will analyze
the results afterwards.
This has an impact on cost
as well
as availability during the
test campaigns.
Brüel & Kjær, as a
reliable partner for sound
and vibration analysis
systems in this
environment, has gained
extensive experience in
this field of application and
therefore developed its own
software platform for gas
turbine testing (GTT). The simplification of
large test scenarios and data distribution
capabilities were the main driver for this
development. Brüel & Kjær’s solution offers
the customer an integrated system
architecture that provides real-time data
monitoring with potentially dozens of
remote data processing and viewing seats
and communicates seamlessly with slow
speed DAQ system and engine
instrumentation information systems
through performant APIs. Furthermore,
this platform is a highly scalable solution
that solves challenges from the most
demanding development test, whether full
engine or partial component tests, to the
more daily needs of pass-off tests
performed at the end of a production line
or in MRO centers.
SATELLITE TESTING
Every satellite that goes into orbit needs to
run through specific test campaigns to
simulate the launch before it even
happens. Manufacturers and operators
want to be sure that all systems fulfill
and transducers, providing unbeaten longterm
stability, combined with state-of-theart
data acquisition (DAQ) systems that,
depending on your measurement
requirements, can operate with hundreds
to thousands of channels in parallel.
The DAQ systems, based on the LAN-XI
family, are composed of commercial-offthe
shelf (COTS) modules that can be
freely spread and placed in the
surrounding
of the test sample. This allows for a
drastic reduction of sensor cabling cost
and a much simpler, and thus quicker,
test preparation to meet the first-time-
right demand.
Performance is provided with no
compromise to data quality and accuracy.
Frequency range allows the coverage of the
full spectra, even for small models. The
dynamic range of the LAN-XI is the largest
in the market (up to 160 dB) enabling the
capture of narrowed signals even in the
presence of loud background noises and
the phase match between channels, which
offers incomparable noise maps quality
and resolution. These systems are designed
to accommodate the tough environmental
conditions that exist in such facilities –
low pressure and high/low temperatures.
GAS TURBINE TESTING
The demand for more fuel efficient and
quieter aircraft engines has put engine
manufacturers into focus for delivering
faster and smarter powerplants.
Aircraft engine development has always
been a challenging process to merge
improved performance with a 100%
operational reliability. Engine test benches
around the globe are continuously in
operation to keep up with the test
requirements set by authorities and the
manufacturer itself, so the demand for
efficient testing is higher than ever before.
The possibilities for test applications range
from approval scenarios, like bird strike,
windmilling, water and icing, to noise
2 // The combination of the
right shaker with LAN-XI
will ensure the right data,
regardless of the satellite’s
size (Photo: INPE)
3 // During data
acquisition it can be
shared with multiple test
seats where the raw
data can be postprocessed
and analyzed by
multiple specialists at the
same time
2
3
/AEROSPACETESTINGINTERNATIONAL.COM