Design and implementation of the V-22 tiltrotor aircuaft vibration monitoring and diagnostic system

This paper addresses the design architecture and current status of the development and integration of the drive train vibration monitoring system (VMS) for the Bell-Boeing V-22 tiltrotor aircraft, which in 1999 has begun initial production deliveries. The VMS monitors vibrations in the rotors, engines, interconnect shafting system (ISS), the pylon shafts, and the nacelle blowers. It also includes ISS hanger bearing temperature monitoring. The VMS is part of the V-22 health monitoring system called VSLED (Vibration, Structural Life, and Engine Diagnostics). The VMS architecture is based on the V-22 maintenance goals, which are the detection of existing and/or developing faults to support the on-condition monitoring of mechanical components and to enhance preventive maintenance. It also includes the distinct function of rotor track and balance. The paper describes the onboard VMS architecture. In addition, it presents an overview of the ground station diagnostic algorithm architecture that has been incorporated in the Aircraft Maintenance Event Ground Station (AMEGS). Demonstration of the diagnostic capabilities are presented by two examples of fault detection of degraded parts.