ROSA Rotorcraft Open Systems Avionics

Commercial standards adopted from the volume-driven electronics markets provide improved processing capacities over those widely used military standards and at reduced cost. Desired future capabilities and advanced functions, such as RPA, require the throughput, bandwidth, and memory provided by commercial processors and data buses. The primary issues needing resolution prior to implementation are related to operations in military rotorcraft environment, reliability, redundancy management, and fault and battle damage tolerance. In addition, some required network components presently do not exist in the preferred form factors. The ROSA project is providing effective laboratory demonstrations of COTS products and open systems specifications and standards to rotorcraft avionics. Preliminary cost estimates forecast large potential savings and create a compelling business case for follow-on research and transition to production systems. In addition, the project is developing a Rotorcraft Technical Architecture with the participation of many industry partners and will promote the resulting documentation as background materials for the JTA-A     

THEMIS Ground-Based Magnetometers

The THEMIS mission includes a comprehensive ground-based measurement network that adds two additional dimensions to the information gained in the night magnetosphere by the five THEMIS spacecraft. This network provides necessary correlative data on the strength and extent of events, enables their onsets to be accurately timed, and provides an educational component in which students have an active participation in the program. This paper describes the magnetometers installed to obtain these ground-based North American magnetic measurements, including the magnetometers installed as part of the educational effort, and the support electronics provided by UCLA for the ground-based observatories. These magnetometers measure the Earth’s magnetic field with high resolution, and with precise timing provided by the Global Positioning System. They represent UCLA’s next generation of low-cost, ground-based magnetometers using an inexpensive personal computer for data collection, storage and distribution. These systems can be used in a stand-alone mode requiring only AC power. If there is Internet connectivity, they can be configured to provide near real-time data over the web. These data are provided at full resolution to the entire scientific community over the web with minimal delay.     

Application of reliability technologies in civil aviation: Lessons learnt and perspectives

We consider reliability engineering in modern civil aviation industry, and the related engineering activities and methods. We consider reliability in a broad sense, referring to other system characteristics that are related to it, like availability, maintainability, safety and durability. We covered the entire lifecycle of the equipment, including reliability requirement identification, reliability analysis and design, verification and validation of reliability requirements (typically involved in the equipment design and development phase), quality assurance (which typically enters in the manufacturing phase), and fault diagnosis and prognosis and maintenance (which are connected to the operation phase). Lessons learnt from reliability engineering practices in civil aviation industry are given, which might serve as reference for reliability managers and engineers, also from other industries with high reliability requirements.     

IMA aircraft improvements

Integrated modular avionics (IMA) is being suggested as the means by which new capabilities can be deployed on aircraft at an affordable cost. RTCA SC-200 is presently considering the guidance document for IMA. All of the functionality that IMA offers can be achieved through a conventional federated architecture; however, the cost, size, and weight penalties of the federated solution make it economically infeasible. IMA is seen as the way forward. It is assuming greater importance as the aircraft industry transitions to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology with its attendant obsolescence and reliability concerns. IMA may be one of the most cost-effective ways by which rapid obsolescence can be managed. Ironically, this move to COTS is also the greatest threat to IMA systems. IMA achieves reductions in size, cost, and weight by providing a set of flexible hardware and software resources that can be statically or dynamically mapped to a set of required avionics functional capabilities. This introduces a number of new complexities such as mixed criticalities and reconfiguration. We do not address these issues herein. Rather we discuss the mechanisms by which electronics degrades and how a classical safety assessment of a reconfigurable IMA system can be ified by this degradation. We argue that, with the advent of COTS, it is no longer justifiable to consider that electronics has an effectively constant failure rate. Physical considerations suggest that electronics failure occurs when environmental and operating stress causes the accumulation of damage to the underlying structures to exceed the threshold strength of the constituent materials and interfaces. Finally, we suggest how finite-life electronics effects may be mitigated.     

一种针对液体火箭发动机可靠性的双线评估方法

针对液体火箭发动机可靠性评估过程中试验数据利用不充分、主观性强、与设计改进关联不足等现状,给出了一种可靠性双线评估方法,在有限试车条件下提升可靠性评估结果的准确性,并从风险控制角度识别出发动机的薄弱环节。该方法采用两条主线开展可靠性评估,第一条线以发动机部组件试验数据为输入,以发动机工作时序为线索,识别发动机故障模式,建立可靠性模型,将部组件故障模式的发生概率带入可靠性模型中,采用不确定性传播算法,得到发动机可靠性先验分布。第二条线以发动机整机试验数据为输入,采用威布尔可靠性评估方法,得到发动机可靠性追加信息;随后采用贝叶斯方法进行双线融合,计算发动机可靠性的后验分布。通过可靠性双线评估方法,扩充了可靠性评估的数据来源,并从风险控制角度辨识了发动机的关键部组件及其故障模式,提升了可靠性评估的工程应用价值。     

The future of military standards. A focus on electronics

The growing perception that with cutbacks in the military and the changing international economic environment, the military must rely on commercial industries in order to afford the next generation of high-performance and high-reliability military systems is discussed. One issue associated with the question of whether an industrial base for the military can be provided and maintained without major changes in the operation of both the government and commercial industry is examined, namely, whether commercial standards can effectively supplant military standards and still provide high performance and reliability for military missions     

DESC field failure evaluation program-`a cradle to grave approach'

The Defense Electronics Supply Center's (DESC's) field failure evaluation program is described. The primary objective of the program is to take positive corrective action steps to assure that quality electronics parts are used in US Department of Defense (DoD) weapon systems. The process flow of field failures from their inception to final corrective action is discussed. To illustrate this, four case studies are presented in which lab testing and coordination with the supplier has resulted in positive corrective action, improving the quality and reliability of the electronic components in DoD weapon systems     

中国航空工业疲劳与结构完整性研究进展与展望

随着中国航空事业的发展,航空疲劳与结构完整性成为影响飞机结构寿命、安全性、可靠性的关键问题之一。经过多年来的努力,飞机结构从最初的静强度、安全寿命设计理念逐渐发展成以疲劳与结构完整性为指导的研制理念和方法,并在型号中取得了成功应用,使得新一代飞机结构的使用寿命、可靠性和经济性得到很大的提升。随着技术的发展和新型号的研制需求,这一领域又出现了许多亟待解决的新问题。本文从航空工业角度梳理了自2000年以来中国航空结构疲劳研究的进展和主要成果,重点介绍了在航空材料/结构/工艺、分析评估理论研究、疲劳试验技术以及飞机寿命管理等方面的研究进展和应用概况,在此基础上从型号研制及工程发展角度提出了对中国航空疲劳需要重点关注的研究方向的建议,以期为中国航空结构技术发展提供借鉴。     

The role of the professional society in the career development ofengineers

The role of the professional engineering society in the career development of the engineer as he/she progresses through various stages of growth is examined. Beginning with the definition of an engineer, professional development is categorized in a four-stage model that begins at the apprentice level and ultimately culminates in the sponsor or director level. Civilian engineer career development at the Aeronautical Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is discussed in terms of the four-stage model. Key factors in career progression are enumerated. The role and impact of the professional society on an engineer's development is examined. The activities of the Engineering Management Society of the IEEE at the local level are reviewed. The critical role of government/industry/academic management policy on participation of their engineers in professional-society activities is debated     

正态分布定时无失效数据可靠性分析方法

定时无失效是指产品试验到预定的时间未发生失效的情况,定时无失效数据的处理是当前工程中亟需解决的问题.为此,提出一种正态分布定时无失效数据可靠性分析方法,该方法能够根据定时无失效数据对产品进行高置信水平的可靠性评定.分别针对标准差或标准差上限已知的情况进行了详细讨论,给出了可靠度和使用寿命的单侧置信下限.并结合某型号卫星推力器脉冲点火试验得到的定时无失效数据,进行了分析计算,结果表明本方法既可以充分利用定时无失效数据,又能最大化发挥对数正态分布置信下限较高的优点,且计算简单,便于工程应用.      

飞机五性一体化协同工作平台框架设计

通过对比国内外可靠性、维修性、测试性、安全性和保障性工作现状,归纳了国内在飞机研制过程中五性一体化的设计特点以及在工程应用方面存在的问题与差距,给出飞机研制过程中开展五性一体化设计的流程和数据、工作及工具接口协同需求,然后对五性一体化协同设计平台进行了初步构想(包括平台建设原则、平台规划和平台建设中需要突破的关键技术等内容),为解决飞机研制过程中五性设计优化、整合及综合权衡以及数据共享等提供技术支持。     

可靠性分析在航空复合材料结构上的应用及展望

基于概率统计的可靠性分析研究对于航空复合材料结构有着重要的意义,一是航空结构尤其是民航结构的安全性要求极高,需要尽可能地预测或判断发生故障的可能性;二是复合材料的变异因素较多,采用传统设计导致折减系数较高。目前复合材料结构设计仍以安全系数的方法来保证结构的可靠性,在此过程中并不进行正式的风险评估,而基于概率的可靠性分析则设定一个可靠性目标来代替安全系数,但它需更成熟的概率统计方法以及大量的样本数据,所以只能作为传统结构设计的补充,在安全裕度不足时进行风险预测。论述了航空复合材料可靠性概率分析的历史演变、意义、主要理论方法以及一般步骤等内容,同时对复合材料结构的可靠性分析的未来进行了展望,为复合材料可靠性分析的发展和研究提供一定的参考。     

Safe Flight 21: ground broadcast service system

The FAA-initiated Safe Flight 21 program is a cooperative government/industry effort to evaluate enhanced aerodome and aircraft capabilities based on evolving communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) technologies. Safe Flight 21 will demonstrate the in-cockpit display of traffic, weather, terrain, and obstacle information for pilots and will provide improved information to controllers. The Ground Broadcast Service (GBS) System will act as the main communication service between the Safe Flight 21 sensors and both the avionic and ground vehicle users. The data, collected and processed by multiple sensors, is routed to the GBS System for formatting, broadcast timing coordination, filtering, and transmission to the end-users. This paper provides an overview of the GBS System as part of the FAA Safe Flight 21 program. It also presents the GBS System's complete functional requirements as well as user interface formats and protocols necessary for compliance with the Safe Flight 21 Program architecture.     

Weibull分布定时无失效数据可靠性分析方法

定时无失效数据的处理是当前工程中亟需解决的问题.为此,提出一种Weibull分布定时无失效数据可靠性分析方法,在形状参数下限已知的情况下,给出了可靠度和使用寿命的单侧置信下限,从而能够根据定时无失效数据对产品进行高置信水平的可靠性评定.大量Monte Carlo模拟验证结果表明,该方法既可以充分利用定时无失效数据,又能对Weibull分布无失效数据进行累加,所以增大了信息量,提高了预测精度.文中给出某型号高压容器定时无失效寿命试验数据的计算实例.      

ISE: intelligent synthesis environment for future aerospace systems

The Intelligent Synthesis Environment (ISE) being developed by NASA, UVA, and JPL for significantly enhancing the rapid creation of innovative affordable products and missions is described. ISE uses a synergistic combination of leading-edge technologies, including high-performance computing, high-capacity communications and networking, virtual product development, knowledge-based engineering, computational intelligence, human-computer interaction, and product information management. The environment will link scientists, design teams, manufacturers, suppliers, and consultants who participate in the mission synthesis, as well as in the creation and operation of the aerospace system. It will radically advance the process by which complex science missions are synthesized, and high-tech engineering systems are designed, manufactured, and operated. The evolution of engineering design is described along with the shortcomings of current product development techniques. The need for ISE to create high-science payoff missions and aerospace systems at affordable costs is discussed. The five major components critical to ISE and some of their sub-elements are described: namely, human-ISE interaction; infrastructure for distributed collaboration; rapid synthesis and simulation tools; intelligent life-cycle system integration; and cultural change in the creative process. Related government and industry programs are outlined and future impact of ISE on complex missions and aerospace systems is discussed.     

Missile Electronic System Hardness Assurance Program

A hardness assurance program suitable for a retaliatory or deterrent missile system is discussed. The program consists of three phases: the establishment of suitable controls and screens to ensure piece part hardness, a supplier data monitoring program to measure hardness related parameters in a timely fashion to obtain advanced warning of potential problems, and a hardness assurance verification testing (HAVT) program to periodically measure the radiation response of parts, circuits, subsystems, and systems on a sample basis to ensure proper functioning in simulated radiation environments. All of the data relevant to hardness assurance is stored in computer memory and routinely interrogated with programs which compare current results with the engineering baseline data and other data from preceding lots. Other computer programs enable statistical estimation of system response to the radiation environment with confidence based on the expanding data base provided by the HAVT program.     

Exploratory and Advanced Development in the U. S. Navy

The relationship of Exploratory and Advanced Development to the overall Navy research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT & E) program is indicated in terms of the proportion of funds allocated. Selected projects and areas of work are named or discussed and the proportionate allocation of funds to Navy bureaus is indicated to present representative pictures of Exploratory Development (exemplified by a Bureau of Ships electronics program) and Advanced Development (exemplified by a Bureau of Naval Weapons electronics program).     

固体火箭发动机圆柱壳体的可靠性设计

文中分析了“传统安全系数法”在产品结构设计中存在的问题,采用可靠性设计的必要性和意义。根据载荷与强度数据的随机性,以概率统计为理论基础,建立了可靠性设计基本方程;并引入了“可靠性安全系数”,使可靠性设计标准化和简单化。因此,可靠性设计是一种更严格、实用的设计方法。它不仅克服了传统安全系数的不确切性或盲目性,而且具有类似于传统安全系数设计的方便性。 文中还以某固体火箭发动机为实例,对燃烧室壳体进行了可靠性设计。     

The Impact of Integrated Electronics on Aerospace Avionic Subsystems

Integrated electronics or microelectronics is one of today's major technical frontiers. Possibilities offered to the designer of avionics subsystems, for aerospace vehicles, by these techniques, are almost limitless, from the point of view of performance capabilities as well as reliability and maintainability. Application will change current engineering practices in avionics design. Some changes will be easy; in others, problems will appear. This paper discusses these changes, indicating potential gains to be expected as well as potential problem areas. The rise in the application of integrated electronics is expected to be high for the next 10 to 15 years. By 1980, integrated circuitry will have largely replaced the use of discrete components, and the rate-of-increase-of-application curves will level off.