Optimal Adaptive Inspection Planning Process in Service of Fatigued Aircraft Structures

In this paper, a control theory is used for planning inspections in service of fatigue-sensitive aircraft structure components under crack propagation. One of the most important features of control theory is its great generality, enabling one to analyze diverse systems within one unified framework. A key idea, which has emerged from this study, is the necessity of viewing the process of planning in-service inspections as an adaptive control process. Adaptation means the ability of self-modification and self-adjustment in accordance with varying conditions of environment. The adaptive control of inspection planning process in service of fatigued aircraft structures differs from ordinary stoc…