Advancing Aircraft Safety through CAx-Enhanced Digitalization and Thermal Stress Testing Methodologies: A Comprehensive Approach

Abstract

Safety is of utmost importance in air transport, and the quality and durability of aircraft construction materials play a significant role in ensuring overall safety. The right technology and methodology for designing, simulating, and testing aircraft components can simplify the process, digitize components, and utilize non-destructive testing methods to increase safety. This article focuses on the digitization, creation of a 3D model, and testing of a small jet engine, MPM-20. Using a 3D scanner and position markers, the authors created a 3D digital model of the engine and adjusted it to the desired state using computer-aided technologies (CAx). Thermo-spectral analysis was then performed on the real object using a thermal camera and associated software. It was found that the engine’s structural integrity was not compromised by excessive thermal load in the specified spatial points. The methodology used can be applied to a wide range of aircraft components, improving their digitization, modification, and stress-testing.