Edwards, Travis, Thomas Hartmann, Andrew Patterson, Samuel Bernstel, Joshua Tarbutton, and Abdel Bayoumi. 2013. “AH-64D Swashplate Test Stands: Improving Understanding of Component Behavior in Rotorcraft Swashplates through External Sensors”. In AHS Airworthiness, CBM, and HUMS Specialists’ Meeting.
Abstract
This paper discusses the research activities and capabilities at the University of South Carolina going through the theory behind the design of a test stand, laying out the specifications of the two test stands currently in operation, the tail rotor drive train (TRDT) and the main rotor swashplate (MRSP), and then ending with the an example of new sensor development. The Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) program at the University of South Carolina has investigated many components in the AH-64. Different sensors, including thermal couples and accelerometers are used to gather data from the components being tested.