Maintenance Technology Commons^™

More Electric Systems Architecture Effect On Business Jet Performance, Kelsey M. Mazur

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

A more-electric systems architecture, using current state of the art components, is proposed for the business jet Dassault Falcon 2000. A model of the existing aircraft, both of its overall flying characteristics and performance and of its detail systems layout, is created using Pacelab APDc and SysArcc programs. The model is validated with respect to the aircraft published data. Then, another model of the same aircraft is created but, this time, it is for the aircraft with the new architecture and their respective performance is compared. In particular, this results in changes in mission range and the overall system's weight. …

Applying The Technology Acceptance Model To Understand Aviation Students’ Perceptions Toward Augmented Reality Maintenance Training Instruction, Yu Wang, Amadou Anne, Tim Ropp

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Augmented Reality (AR) Technology, since its inception, has been enhanced significantly by software and hardware developers, and has been widely utilized in various fields such as manufacturing, entertainment, architecture, commerce and education. In recent years, maintenance instructions developed on the basis of AR technology have demonstrated their potential to positively impact maintenance training and technical tasks in aviation. Features of AR maintenance instructions include interactive content, user-friendly operation interface, enhanced visualization and real-time data feeds. The researchers conducted a case study of forty-one aviation maintenance students at a Midwestern university. The purpose of this study was twofold: to evaluate the …

Technological Advances Of Diesel Engines Within The Aviation Industry, Daniel I. Mattingly

ASA Multidisciplinary Research Symposium

Brief history of the diesel engine and how technological advances are making the use of a diesel engine more feasible in powering general aviation aircraft and light helicopters.

The Effect Of Using Noise Reduction Turbofan Engine Exhaust Nozzle Designs On A Turbojet Engine, Donald Bartlett 5218591

ASA Multidisciplinary Research Symposium

The level of sound produced by the turbojet and turbofan engines and the types of exhaust nozzle designs is the focus of this research. The purpose is to see if using noise reduction nozzle designs currently used on turbofan engines reduce noise on a turbojet engine.

Study On Some Issues About Safety Assurance And Maintenance Of China's Maritime Search And Rescue Helicopter, Zhenhua Xiang

Maritime Safety & Environment Management Dissertations (Dalian)

No abstract provided.

Late Morning Concurrent Sessions: Innovations In Aviation Technologies: Presentation: Relative Material Loss: A Methodology For Assessing Island Airport Steel Marine Bulkheads, Robert Ernsting, Constantine M. Koursaris

Aviation / Aeronautics / Aerospace International Research Conference

A July 2015 report from the Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) states “U.S. airports are long overdue for [a] major structural improvement projects. Most U.S. airports are aging, … and because of budgetary restrictions, they’re not aging well.”(Garcia and Clampet, 2015). The average US age is 40 years old with the youngest (Denver International) recently turning 20 years old. As airports continue to age, airport commissioners will struggle to find creative ways to either fund airport replacements or extend the service life of existing airport facilities (commonly referred to as service life extension projects or SLEP). Due to …

Expedient Airfield Runway Repair Using Folded Fiberglass Mat, Christopher Y. Tuan, Willaim C. Dass

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

For expedient airfield runway repair, the US Air Force has developed a folded fiberglass mat to cover craters repaired with a well-compacted granular base material. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of using polymer plugs to anchor the mat to a repaired asphalt pavement for heavy aircraft operations. The effort consisted of materials testing, field experiments and analytical modeling. An 89,800-kg (198,000-pound) load cart having the footprint of a single C-5 main gear was pulled on a mat with wheels locked to simulate full braking forces. Anchor bushings were instrumented to measure anchor loads. A simplified …

Causes And Trends In Maintenance-Related Accidents In Faa-Certified Single Engine Piston Aircraft, Douglas Boyd, Alan Stolzer

Journal of Aviation Technology and Engineering

The accident rate for general aviation remains high. While most general aviation accident studies have been pilot-focused, there is little research on the involvement of aircraft maintenance errors. We undertook a study to answer this question.

The Microsoft Access database was queried for accidents occurring between 1989 and 2013 involving single engine piston airplanes operating under 14CFR Part 91. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and Poisson probability were used in statistical analyses.

The rate of maintenance-related general aviation accidents was 4.3 per million flight hours for the 1989–1993 period and remained unchanged for the most recent period (2009–2013). Maintenance errors …

Causes And Trends In Maintenance-Related Accidents In Faa-Certified Single Engine Piston Aircraft, Douglas Boyd, Alan Stolzer

Publications

The accident rate for general aviation remains high. While most general aviation accident studies have been pilot-focused, there is little research on the involvement of aircraft maintenance errors. We undertook a study to answer this question.

The Microsoft Access database was queried for accidents occurring between 1989 and 2013 involving single engine piston airplanes operating under 14CFR Part 91. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and Poisson probability were used in statistical analyses.

The rate of maintenance-related general aviation accidents was 4.3 per million flight hours for the 1989–1993 period and remained unchanged for the most recent period (2009–2013). Maintenance errors …

Causes And Trends In Maintenance-Related Accidents In Faa-Certified Single Engine Piston Aircraft, Douglas Boyd, A. Stolzer

Publications

The accident rate for general aviation remains high. While most general aviation accident studies have been pilot-focused, there is little research on the involvement of aircraft maintenance errors. We undertook a study to answer this question.

The Microsoft Access database was queried for accidents occurring between 1989 and 2013 involving single engine piston airplanes operating under 14CFR Part 91. Pearson Chi-Square, Fisher’s Exact Test, and Poisson probability were used in statistical analyses.

The rate of maintenance-related general aviation accidents was 4.3 per million flight hours for the 1989–1993 period and remained unchanged for the most recent period (2009–2013). Maintenance errors …

Experiment And Simulation Of The Acoustic Signature Of Fatigued-Cracked Gears In A Two-Stage Gearbox, Matthew James Ostiguy

Master's Theses

This thesis focuses on the development of a health monitoring system for gearbox transmissions. This was accomplished by developing and understanding a two-stage gearbox computer model that emulates an actual gearbox test rig. The computer model contains actual gearbox geometry, flexible shafts, bearings, gear contact forces, input motor torque, output brake torque, and realistic gearbox imbalance. The gear contact force of each gear stage and the input bearing translational acceleration were the main outputs compared between a healthy gearbox and damaged gearbox computer model. The damage of focus was a fatigue crack on the input pinion gear. A sideband energy …

Finite Element Modeling Of Macro Fiber Composite Actuators With Application To Wing De-Icing, Boutros Youssef Azizi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Icing can have a profound impact on aircraft performance during inclement weather conditions. Aircraft icing primarily occurs on the leading edge of wings, tails and engines. The de-icing/anti-icing technologies currently in use are typically bulky, heavy, cover the entire airfoil surface and consume high energy. These drawbacks highlight the need for a de-icing technique that can overcome some or all of the aforementioned problems. Therefore, in this thesis, a proposed de-icing technique is studied in which lightweight Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuators are used to break the adhesive bond between the leading edge of a wing and an accumulated ice …

Aircraft Materials And Analysis, Tariq Siddiqui

Publications

Note: This pdf only includes chapter 1 and 10.

Complete coverage of aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance

Aircraft Materials and Analysis addresses aircraft design, mechanical and structural factors in aviation, flight loads, structural integrity, stresses, properties of materials, compression, bending, and aircraft fatigue. Detailed analysis of the failure process is provided.

This authoritative guide examines materials used in aircraft construction such as aluminum, steel, glass, composite, rubber, and carbon fiber. Maintenance procedures for corrosion and aging aircraft are discussed and methods of inspection such as nondestructive testing and nondestructive inspection are described. Accident investigation case studies review aircraft design, material …

Estimation Of Real-Time Runway Surface Contamination Using Flight Data Recorder Parameters, Donovan C. Curry

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Within this research effort, the development of an analytic process for friction coefficient estimation is presented. Under static equilibrium, the sum of forces and moments acting on the aircraft, in the aircraft body coordinate system, while on the ground at any instant is equal to zero. Under this premise the longitudinal, lateral and normal forces due to landing are calculated along with the individual deceleration components existent when an aircraft comes to a rest during ground roll. In order to validate this hypothesis a six degree of freedom aircraft model had to be created and landing tests had to be …

Aviation Maintenance Management, Harry A. Kinnison, Tariq Siddiqui

Publications

Note: This pdf only includes chapter 1 and 18.

THE COMPLETE, UP-TO-DATE GUIDE TO MANAGING AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS

Thoroughly revised for the latest aviation industry changes and FAA regulations, this comprehensive reference explains how to establish and run an effi cient, reliable, and cost-effective aircraft maintenance program. Co-written by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University instructors, Aviation Maintenance Management, Second Edition offers broad, integrated coverage of airline management, aircraft maintenance fundamentals, aviation safety, and the systematic planning and development of successful maintenance programs.

LEARN HOW TO:

• Minimize service interruptions while lowering maintenance and repair costs
• Adhere to aviation industry certification requirements and …

The Effect Of Cockpit Noise On The Temporary Threshold Shift Of Cessna 172sp Flight Instructors, Andrew Robert Bellini

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis was to study the temporary threshold shift of general aviation flight instructors resulting from their working environment. Exposure to noise before a temporary threshold shift completely recovers can cause a permanent threshold shift with no possibility of recovery, resulting in permanent hearing loss. A result showing minimal to no temporary threshold shift would indicate that hearing personal protective equipment is working properly. This study used sound-level measurements, and audiometric testing, together with survey data to determine whether or not flight instructors were at risk for potential hearing impairment due to temporary threshold shift. Independent t …

Toward GemeinschaftsgefüHl: Exploring Subordinate And Manager Perceptions Of Trust And Perceptions Regarding Behavioral Change Potential, Bobby G. Martin

Publications

In this qualitative, phenomenological study, Maslow‘s Eupsychian theory was used as the guiding framework for exploring the perceptions of trust and the behavioral change potential of subordinates (includes frontline supervisors) and managers (excludes frontline supervisors) within selected aviation maintenance organizations in Arizona. The problem addressed in the study was the growing concern that managers willfully mistreated subordinates, which led to decreased trust, motivation, and productivity. A combined representative sample of 10 maintenance technicians and frontline supervisors was purposively selected from the production lines of a large commercial aviation repair and overhaul station located in Arizona. An additional combined representative sample …

The Effect Of Shift Turnover Strategy And Time Pressure On Aviation Maintenance Technician Performance, William R. Warren

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) provide the technical and applied knowledge required to maintain airworthiness in aircraft. In commercial aviation, maintenance tasks are performed across multiple shifts. When AMTs share a maintenance task between shifts, the shift turnover strategy used may determine if information is effectively transferred between AMTs. Ineffective shift turnover strategies are a contributing factor in many aviation accidents and incidents. Additionally, time constraints on certain maintenance tasks may cause AMTs to commit error when performing a task. The present study examined the effect of shift turnover strategy (face-to-face or written) and time pressure on error capture, accuracy, and …

Depot-Level Simulation And Multivariate Analysis On B-1 High Velocity Maintenance, Florence K. Yee

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to gain insights on the B-1B depot maintenance operations, with a focus on direct maintenance hours or burn rate, under the implementation of High Velocity Maintenance (HVM). Based on historical depot maintenance data and the current B-1 depot HVM prototype data, a discrete-event simulation model is developed using Arena 12.0. Some United States Air Force supply chain influences, such as manning levels and kitting characteristics of the B-1 depot operations, are incorporated in our models as design factors. The model captures the stochastic nature of 30 HVM tasks performed on one B-1 aircraft in …

Characterization Of Graphite Composite Material Particulates From Usaf Aircraft Maintenance Operations, Richard E. Yon

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the benefits of their material properties, advanced composite materials (ACM) are increasingly being used as structural components on aircraft, especially within the United States Air Force. As a result, the potential exists for occupational exposures to structural maintenance employees while repairing and fabricating aircraft components. Two field studies were conducted for this thesis in order to characterize ACM aerosol size distribution, determine the feasibility of utilizing direct reading instruments (DRIs) in the field, and ensure workers are protected with adequate controls. In order to characterize exposure, traditional integrated air sampling and DRIs were positioned together near an ACM …

The Taiwan Civil Aviation Safety Reporting (Tacare) System In Aircraft Maintenance: An Evaluation Of The Acceptance Of Voluntary Incident Reporting Programs For Maintenance Personnel In Taiwan, Yi-Fan (Tom) Chen

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this research was to examine the effectiveness of the Taiwan Civil Aviation safety reporting (TACARE) system for maintenance personnel to improve aircraft safety. The research evaluated what are the issues that affect the participation of the TACARE system. The understandings of the safety culture for maintenance personnel in Taiwan were also analyzed. The research was conducted with a mixed method. The survey and interview were developed to sample the acceptance and opinions regarding the TACARE system for the maintenance personnel in Taiwan. Statistical analysis of the data from 605 survey respondents and 9 interviewees concluded the maintenance …

A Simulation Based Methodology To Examine The B-1b'S An/Alq-161 Maintenance Process, Ricardo R. Garza

Theses and Dissertations

The B-1 Bomber is the Air Force’s only supersonic, conventional-only strike platform. This thesis looks at the maintenance procedures associated with the defensive electronic counter measure (ECM) system on the B-1B, designated the AN/ALQ-161. Computer simulation of the current line-replaceable-unit maintenance network for Ellsworth AFB and Dyess AFB is modeled. In addition, two hypothetical repair networks are proposed and analyzed. This research considers the applicability of this type of computer simulation, using ARENA software to study the AN/ALQ-161 repair system. The contribution of this research is a discrete simulation methodology specific to the AN/ALQ-161 LRU repair line. Two response variables …

Evaluation Of Air Force Aircraft Maintenance Metrics For Integration Into The Expeditionary Combat Support System, Brian D. Waller

Theses and Dissertations

All organizations face the continuous challenge of a dynamic and ever-changing operations environment. They must adapt to new paradigms quickly or end up on the road to obsolescence. Never has this been truer for the U.S. Air Force than in the 21st century. The logistics organization of the Air Force supports a worldwide, 24/7 operation, executing the national directive of US Policy. Past logistics operation policies have now been proven to no longer be sufficient to meet the needs of the war-fighter. Shrinking budgets, aging equipment, and the austere, disparate operating locations demand sweeping changes in how the logistic machine …

Simulation Modeling Of The C-5 Galaxy High Velocity Regionalized Isochronal (Hvriso) Inspection Concept, Theodore K. Heiman

Theses and Dissertations

Faced with eroding budgets, Air Mobility Command (AMC) is confronted with implementing simultaneous changes to its isochronal (ISO) inspection process for C-5 aircraft. C-5 inspection criteria will use a Maintenance Steering Group-3 (MSG-3) approach beginning in October, 2009. MSG-3 has been used successfully in civilian aviation since 1980 and AMC hopes to produce similar results. AMC is also consolidating the four docks presently in use to three high-velocity regionalized isochronal (HVRISO) docks. Centralized scheduling by AMC should utilize a dock selection method that minimizes both processing time and queue time when arriving aircraft cannot be immediately inducted into the servicing …

Assessing Structural Health Monitoring Alternatives Utilizing A Value-Focused Thinking Model, Margaret A. Barker, Fatih S. Gurbuz, Jeremy A. Schroeder

Theses and Dissertations

Current Air Force operations are undergoing significant changes necessitated by increasing fiscal constraints, increasing aircraft age, and recent drawdown in personnel to perform maintenance, repair, and other necessary functions. In order to deal with these challenges, the Air Force must effectively improve current operations. This paper explores potential structural health monitoring (SHM) solutions to some of the challenges facing aircraft maintenance and repair operations. As with any problem, a variety of solutions exist and this paper explores the potential solutions and limitations of various options. Aircraft SHM is an intriguing concept with potential capability to revolutionize current Air Force maintenance …

Modernizing A Preventive Maintenance Strategy For Facility And Infrastructure Maintenance, Ross E. Dotzlaf

Theses and Dissertations

Preventive maintenance (PM) is defined as regularly scheduled maintenance actions based on average failure rates. A properly implemented PM strategy can provide many benefits to an organization in terms of extending equipment life, optimizing resource expenditures, and balancing work schedules. Periodic evaluation of a PM strategy can help identify ways to improve efficiencies and maximize effectiveness. This research effort was accomplished by performing a case study of the United States Air Force’s infrastructure and facility PM program known as the Recurring Work Program (RWP). The methodology consisted of two phases. The first phase, intended to develop an understanding of the …

Uncertainty Assessment Of Aircraft Maintenance Times By Using Evidence Theory And Expert Judgment Elicitation, Huseyin Kudak

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The goal of this study is to demonstrate the use of the Dempster-Shafer Theory of evidence as a decision aid to predict aircraft maintenance times during wartime operations using expert judgment elicitation. Increased precision in time estimation enables the jet engine aircraft maintenance facility commander to make more accurate decisions for the Air Force's wartime tactical operations allowing the commander to gain a decisive advantage. A questionnaire was designed to elicit judgments from experts in the Aircraft Maintenance Facility (AMF) to investigate maintenance times of the major failure modes (Ignition, Fuel, and Electrical). Results of the expert judgment elicitation were …

Improving Maintenance Data Collection Via Point-Of-Maintenance (Pomx) Implementation, William D. Cone

Theses and Dissertations

Maintenance data collection is an integral part of flightline aircraft maintenance. Historically, this data was input via traditional keyboard data entry methods at a computer terminal. These terminals are typically located in the aircraft maintenance unit (AMU) facility, away from where the actual maintenance is being performed. In contrast to the traditional approach, the Point-of-Maintenance system (POMX) seeks to reduce the data entry burden while increasing data accuracy through the use of E-Tools such as ruggedized laptop computers and handheld portable maintenance aids (PMAs). POMX enables data entry at the aircraft or other maintenance location via wireless local area network …

A New Guidance System For Aircraft Based On Gps, Mukul Mishra

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The navigation displays commonly used in aircraft (Course Deviation Indicators), provide only the offset from desired track, leaving the pilot to figure out steering correction necessary to get back on track. This correction, determined by trial and error, adds to the workload, especially in windy conditions. The feasibility of using a new algorithm for providing guidance to the pilots for improved interception and tracking is examined in this thesis. The proposed system employs GPS to calculate the offset from the track as well as the instantaneous ground speed vector, to provide steering information. Thus, precise tracking is possible in real …

Are Four-Year Universities Better Than Two-Year Colleges At Preparing Students To Pass The Faa Aircraft Mechanic Certification Written Examinations?, Jeffrey Bruce Summey, Marian C. Schultz, James T. Schultz

Publications

This study evaluates differences between two-year and four-year schools offering a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147 aviation maintenance technician program. The actual average test scores were analyzed to determine whether students from four-year university programs were better prepared for the test than students from two-year college or technical school programs. Test scores can be viewed as a direct indication of the quality of the aviation maintenance programs at these schools. The study found that there was no statistically significant difference in the test scores between two-year college and four-year university students taking the FAA examinations. These results support previous …