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Computer simulations to replace the electronic testing of aircraft

A team from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia is leading a European study on how to partially replace electromagnetic compatibility tests on real aircraft with simulations. The goal is to reduce the interference of onboard electronic equipment and thereby improve aircraft safety and reduce construction costs

STAFF | JANUARY 11TH, 2011

An unmanned aircraft inside a large electromagnetic camera
which assesses its susceptibility to external electromagnetic fields

Reducing interference for the electronic equipment onboard aircraft and helicopters and improving their design through the use of computer simulations is the goal of a European project led by Electromagnetic Compatibility Group of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). The High Intensity Radiated Field-Synthetic Environment (HIRF-SE) project measures of aircrafts’ electromagnetic fields and focuses on how to replace part of the electromagnetic compatibility tests currently performed with real planes, which are "costly in terms of space, time and money, in addition to being repetitive and, in some cases, even destructive” with simulations, said Fernando Silva, head of the research group.

A total of 44 researchers from 11 European countries are participating in this project that has been deemed necessary, first, due to the growth and increasing complexity of electronic devices that are installed onboard aircraft and, secondly, because "increasingly less conductive elements are being used to build fuselages while more fiberglass and carbon materials, which are lighter but more vulnerable to interference, are being used in making airplane components," Silva said.

The project involves a total
of 44 researchers from 11 European countries These construction trends mean that the aircraft's piloting and communication systems along with its radar, warning and control systems are more susceptible to interference from external radar, passengers’ electronic devices, lightning or high-voltage power lines in the case of helicopters.

At the project’s midway point, the task group is focusing on verifying the possible replacement of electromagnetic compatibility tests on real aircraft with simulations. Researchers at the UPC are measuring different aircraft parts in the laboratory and plan to run a simulation of a complete helicopter in 2012.

The team says the project will not only reduce costs but also improve the design of the aircraft and increase the efficiency of testing.

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