Damage Tolerance / Design Verification

Damage tolerance testing, also called design verification, occurs when flight-by-flight spectrum (fatigue) testing is about to conclude. Tests are performed on the same test article, and are used to develop inspection criteria and determine a proper inspection cycle. Traditionally, test teams identify and measure cracks in primary structures, run the fatigue test for an additional period, then measure crack growth rate. If no cracks exist, they may be introduced with saw cuts. In some cases, teams may make repairs, run the test and then evaluate repair quality. Composite structures require even more sophisticated methods of inducing and monitoring impact damage.

As an industry leader in fatigue testing for aerospace, MTS is an ideal partner for conducting accurate damage tolerance tests on any aircraft structure. We provide a unique mix of experience and expertise, as well as the technology required to conduct tests quickly and accurately. Specific offerings include:

• High-performance, fatigue-rated actuators
• State-of-the-art software that seamlessly integrates control and data acquisition
   channels and is optimized for large channel counts and large amounts of data
• Innovative data analysis tools, including trend monitoring and profile self-optimization
• Cross-coupling compensation to account for complex interactions of the airframe
   and maintain accurate loading
• Versatile digital controllers for high-speed, real-time closed loop control, data 
   acquisition, function generation and transducer conditioning
• Clean, quiet hydraulic power units