Probability density evolution for time-varying reliability assessment of wing structures

Reliability evaluation is a key factor in serviceability and safety analysis of air vehicles. Structural health monitoring methods have grown to a degree of maturity in many industries. However, there is a challenging interest to tie in SHM with reliability assessment. In this respect, consideration of stochastic structural dynamics with SHM data and random loadings opens a new chapter in failure prevention. The current study focuses on the stochastic behavior of structures as a way to relate SHM data with reliability. In this respect, uncertain factors such as atmospheric turbulence, structural parameters, and sensor outputs are considered in the process of reliability assessment. Firstly, an experimental evaluation is conducted using a simple cantilevered beam. Subsequently, system identification is weaved in with a probability density evolution equation for calculating the reliability of a wing structural component. Numerical simulations demonstrate that structural reliability of a typical WSC can be effectively evaluated. The proposed scheme paves the way for new SHM research topics such as online life prediction and reliability based failure prevention