How we saved 2M$ on a 2-month project for structural testing using optical sensors
The use of an optical measurement system for structural proof testing, which measures deflection and strain data, can save valuable schedule time. In structural proof testing, traditional deflection measurements use physical contact Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDTs), which require labor-intensive mounting fixture fabrication that is set up around the test article to hold the sensors. It also requires an operator to adjust and validate each sensor. Therefore, significant cost savings were realized during a James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) bus structures test where an optical measurement system augmented the use of LVDTs to reduce test schedule time. These deflection measurements characterized the structure's deformation and validated the theoretical finite element model.