aircraft systems

[Graham Belll]

Hi! I know aircraft systems are analysed to assess their reliability and safety as part of the certification process, but in many cases this analysis will assume reliability under standard ambient conditions. Am I right here in assuming this? I was just wondering if you knew of any methodologies that are used to assess the reliability and safety of aircraft systems, paying particular attention to environmental conditions. Cheers.

[drahcir]

Most aircraft are assessed under mainly standard conditions. Their safety and reliability are tested during the process of certification.

Methodologies exist that are sometimes used to assess reliability of aircraft systems using more testing scenarios. The Waterman-Cryser test is used by many of the larger commercial airlines, and the U.S Military.

The Waterman-Cryser test involves repeatedly fracturing aircraft with different objects to test their reliability under stress. This can take some time. Aircraft have to be tested against a number of projectiles. First, water balloons are repeatedly thrown at the cockpit. Then the balloons are filled with milkshake, as this as a different consistency. Midgets are thrown at the doors, and racoons scurry across the paintwork. Any scratches which incur are duly noted. People shout as loud as they can, to see if they can break the windows, and small children blow bubbles through the engines to see if they will spontaneously combust.

Other tests you might want to research are the ralph-boneyard or the flycase retardant scenario testing suite, more information available from http://www.bbc.co.uk/gayblokefromairport

Hope I could help.