To ensure NASA’s new X-57 Maxwell electric aircraft would be energy efficient and safe for use, NASA carried out extensive ground vibration tests, simulating the stresses it would experience during a real flight.
With the increasing demand for electric powered ground transportation, NASA wanted to prove that an aircraft could also be electrically powered. The result is the X-57 Maxwell airplane, which - instead of the usual gasoline-powered motors - has two, all electric motors powered by traction batteries.
To ensure the new design meets the criteria for energy efficiency and airworthiness, NASA’s experimental aircraft underwent multiple vibration tests and data from the accelerometers around the motor was collected on a LAN-XI data acquisition system and analyser platform, provided by test and measurement expert, Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK).
Following this, NASA’s engineers used HBK’s BK Connect software to test and analyse data from 191 test runs, with 14 different test configurations. The ground vibration test results gave NASA a much better understanding of the modal characteristics of the X-57, currently in the Mod II configuration. Work on the new aircraft will continue, with the X-57 project team updating the model now they have the necessary data.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
