3D scanning verifies the “as built” vs. “as designed” shape of scale models in wind tunnel testing to ensure that scaling does not cause deviations. In addition, GOM’s ARAMIS high-speed deformation measurement system analyzes vibrations and deflections caused by wind load in the wind tunnel online and in real time. This makes it possible to analyze wing behavior at specific speeds and in different flight maneuvers.

Internal and external 3D aircraft scanning supplies 3D CAD information which accurately reflects the current state of build of the airframe and ancillary equipment. The dense point cloud data represents a solid base for CAD modeling, thus allowing reliable planning of aircraft design and electronics.

Acquisition of “as built” data and reverse engineering play key roles as links between the physical and digital model environments. Full aero surfaces are vital for scale-model wind tunnel testing, CFD model creation, symmetry checks and finite element methods to ensure that computer simulations are valid.

Measuring the entire aircraft within one coordinate system also supports digital assembly, and capturing various positions of the movable control surfaces is essential to performing motion studies. Time-effective data acquisition results in cost-effective, fast and easy integration into downstream processing requirements.