Iterative Prototyping of Aircraft Tire Wear Measurement using Laser Profilometer

Abstract

Today’s aircraft are equipped with multiple sensors, which monitor the integrity of aircraft systems and support predictive maintenance to increase aircraft operability and safety. Although the tires are only functional in a small time frame during flight, tire failures can have a huge operational impact on both the aircraft and airport. The Airbus Global University Partnership Program (AGUPP) has the objective and vision to foster relationships between Airbus and partner universities. One of the axes clearly identified within AGUPP is providing universities and students access to the means and facilities within Airbus. Following the AGUPP in 2017 call Delft University of Technology pitched the idea to a determine tire wear using a laser profilometer to Airbus. The idea was accepted, and for the project access to Airbus test facilities were granted with a tight time schedule and technical constraints. Having strict deadlines and short time periods where test facilities would be available meant that an iterative test development process was required to stay on schedule. The developed laser profilometer to measure main landing gear tire wear needed to be tested before being integrated into the Airbus A350 flight test aircraft and the Airbus Test Rig for Aircraft Tyres (TeraTyre) facility. The technical constraints set by Airbus was that the profilometer system should be stand-alone and not interfere or damage test facilities. These two technical constraints influenced the design and implementation of the laser profilometer system. This paper will provide a development overview of the laser profilometer system. Furthermore, preliminary results of the laser profilometer data which was gathered during ground tests will be presented.