Digital Twins for full-field monitoring in vibration control applications

Vibrations are a critical phenomenon in aerospace engineering, as they can cause structural damage, reduce component lifespan, and interfere with proper system operation. Vibration analysis and control have become integral parts of the aerospace component qualification process to ensure vehicle safety and reliability. In the aerospace industry, the amount of data collected by sensors is often limited and insufficient for a complete understanding of the structure’s dynamic behavior. To address this challenge, the concept of a Digital Twin has emerged as a valuable tool. A Digital Twin is a virtual model of a physical system that allows one to predict its dynamic behavior and monitor its operating conditions in real-time. In the context of this research, a Digital Twin of a triaxial platform was created, capable of inducing controlled vibrations using shakers. Before working on the full platform, it was necessary to define the modal characteristics of each shaker. Experimental modal analysis and testing were carried out to obtain the necessary data for creating the model of the shakers. The virtual model enables the prediction of the dynamic responses of the individual shakers and facilitates real-time monitoring of their operating conditions. By leveraging Digital Twin technology, aerospace engineers can enhance their understanding and analysis of vibrations in the triaxial platform and it provides valuable insights into the modal behavior, mode shapes, and natural frequencies, enabling optimization of their performance and mitigation of potential risks. The research contributes to the creation of more secure and dependable aircraft systems by providing a basis for future work on the entire triaxial platform. Engineers can use the virtual model to build efficient control techniques, preserve structural integrity, and achieve the best performance despite vibrations.