Application and prospect of digital twin in the design, manufacturing, and operation of aerospace structures

doi:10.11996/JG.j.2095-302X.2024020241

Abstract

Abstract:

The application of digital twin technology in the aerospace field is an important development trend at present and in the future. In a virtual-real way, the digital twin simulates the behavior and performance evolution of aerospace structures under different working conditions. The digital twin technology can provide comprehensive support for structural optimization design, high-efficiency manufacturing, and low-cost maintenance of aerospace equipment. This paper reviews the application status of digital twins in the whole life cycle management of aerospace structures, and summarizes the problems, challenges, and development trends of digital twins in aerospace structures.

Key words: digital twin, aerospace, structural health monitoring, structure design and manufacturing, intelligent operation and maintenance

CLC Number:

TH701

HUANG Wenkai, LIANG Zhihong, WANG Minghua, ZHANG Wenfeng, WANG Yishou. Application and prospect of digital twin in the design, manufacturing, and operation of aerospace structures[J]. Journal of Graphics, 2024, 45(2): 241-249.

Figures/Tables 9

Fig. 1 Implementation model of digital twin in the mechanical manufacturing field

Fig. 2 Comparison between traditional design process and virtual prototyping design process

Fig. 3 Applications of digital twin in the aerospace structures field ((a) Architecture for health monitoring system for the commodore barry bridge; (b) Using the DFPA architecture to measure the trajectory and velocity of the bullet; (c) Schematic drawing of the non-contact high-temperature deformation measuring system by combining infrared heating and digital image correlation technique; (d) Arrays of fiber grating sensors may be embedded into composites and strain gradients used to localize and assess damage via “strain imaging”; (e) Photograph of the active thermography and the three-dimensional (3D) structural optical imaging experimental setups)

Fig. 4 Prediction method of rocket ring bending resilience based on digital twin

Fig. 5 Schematic diagram of structural design technology based on digital twin

Fig. 6 Example process of satellite equipment design based on digital twin

Fig. 7 Digital twin model and manufacturing entity mapping of jet engine fan blades

Fig. 8 Conceptual model of digital twin body with life prediction function

Fig. 9 Digital twin system for operation and maintenance of aerospace equipment

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