Application of digital image correlation in aerospace engineering: structural health monitoring of aircraft components

Abstract

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is a vital optical measurement technique that finds diverse applications in the domain of mechanics of materials. In aerospace applications, DIC has excellent scope in structural health monitoring of aircraft components. Aircraft wings, one of the critical components are subjected to different loads during flight. Ground testing and In-flight testing of wings can benefit substantially by DIC monitoring. DIC can be utilized to analyze the time-based variation in the speckle pattern or grid, applied to the wing’s surface. High-resolution images processed through a suitable correlation software helps decipher the data into stress and strain contours. Thus, any potential material failure or component defects can be identified. DIC also finds a role in flutter analysis, enabling the scrutiny of wing vibrations and deformations. In this review, the applications of DIC in analysis of aircraft components has been taken up, as in-flight structural health monitoring is a critical activity for a safe flight.