Browse Topic: Quality management systems
To safely, efficiently, and high-quality complete the mechanical testing of batch-produced manned spacecraft during the China Space Station (CSS) phase, a series of optimization measures were proposed based on system engineering principles. These measures cover the entire mechanical testing process from preparation to implementation, including: establishing a standardized mechanical testing documentation system; reducing the number of mechanical sensors that do not affect result evaluation; pre-identifying and measuring background noise; digitizing test notching and evaluation methods; and standardizing and automating testing procedures. Additionally, targeted measures for test safety and quality control were implemented, including regular inspections of reusable spacecraft components, strict control of test hazards and operational risks, and standardized management of ground support equipment (GSE) through regular inspections. The proposed optimization and control measures have been validated through applications in batch-produced manned spacecraft during the CSS phase. The results show that: the generalization rate of mechanical testing documentation exceeds 80%; the number of mechanical sensors has been reduced by more than 10%; the test preparation period has been shortened by over 4 days; test efficiency has been improved by 30%; the single-direction test duration has been reduced by more than 50%; and the total test cycle has been shortened by 25%. These results indicate that the proposed optimization and control measures are reasonable and feasible, which effectively reduces redundant test operations and items, lowers potential test risks, improves test efficiency, shortens the overall test cycle, enhances test safety, and ensures the high-quality completion of mechanical testing for batch-produced manned spacecraft.
With the continuous improvement of performance requirements for aviation equipment, the importance and complexity of hydraulic systems as the core carrier of flight control are becoming increasingly prominent. The cleanliness of aircraft hydraulic pipelines directly affects the reliability and flight safety of hydraulic systems, and it is necessary to use specialized cleaning and testing equipment during design and manufacturing to achieve efficient cleaning. The design of traditional cleaning equipment relies on experience-driven development, with mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems developed independently. There are problems such as unclear requirement definitions, low efficiency of interdisciplinary collaboration, and lagging validation, making it difficult to achieve the goal of forward design. Therefore, this study introduces Model-based Systems Engineering (MBSE) method in the development process of pipeline cleaning test equipment, proposes a modeling process based on RFLP (Requirements-Function-Logical-Physical), and uses SysML system modeling language to construct a top down design model system for aircraft hydraulic pipeline cleaning equipment. Through requirement analysis modeling, functional behavior definition, and system architecture design, the significant advantages of MBSE method in the development of complex aviation test equipment have been verified, effectively improving the bold design capability and top down design efficiency. MBSE method can not only improve the design efficiency of equipment, but also promote the intelligent and efficient operation of equipment, which has important significance for the development of intelligent manufacturing and electromechanical integration technology.
Aligned with the “3060 dual carbon” goal, the rapid growth of new energy installation capacity in China’s western high-altitude regions has caused an urgent demand for UHV converter station construction. This paper suggests a prefabricated structural system by using embedded ear-shaped tongue-and-groove UHPC wall-column connections to meet the challenges of traditional cast-in-place concrete firewalls, such as prolonged construction periods and difficulty in quality control in harsh environments. The seismic performance of the connection was investigated through pseudo-static tests and finite element analysis. The results show that failure mainly occurs on the wall–column interface, with cracks mainly appearing at the wall panel corners. The scaled model demonstrated full hysteresis loops, indicating stable energy dissipation. The ear-shaped tongue-and-groove connection showed superior initial stiffness and ultimate load-bearing capacity (404.3 kN) compared with the straight-type connection (177.5 kN). An increase in the semicircular diameter improved load capacity, while the axial compression ratio had little effect. This study proposes a theoretical reference for the design and application of prefabricated valve hall structures in high-altitude regions.
The virtual development of Electric Drive Modules (EDMs) for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) requires proven and predictive methodologies. One part of the development investigates the vibro-acoustic assessment for the low- and high-frequency ranges within the targeted operating range. The efficient use of such a methodology requires an understanding of the accuracy and validity of the achievable results, as well as the derivation of suitable improvement measures for goals that have not been achieved. The use of reference data from experimental investigations and a detailed root cause analysis (RCA), to directly link a specific response and behavior to the excitations, modal content, and transfer functions, is an essential and non-trivial part of the methodology development. This paper describes the development of such a methodology using the example of a new EDM virtual model for Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) analysis, including the simulation approach, validation, and evaluation procedure. It discusses how RCA can be applied to different observed phenomena in EDM NVH behavior and detected deviations between the initial model and the measurements, the main influencing parameters, and the identified improvement potential for simulation models.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) performance is critical in the automotive development process, yet identifying the true root causes of unwanted dynamic behavior remains a challenge in full vehicle or system-level finite element (FEM) models. This work demonstrates how Frequency Based Substructuring (FBS) provides an efficient framework for understanding NVH phenomena and facilitates new root cause analysis (RCA) types and processes. To begin, we prove the numerical accuracy of the FBS algorithm deployed in the presented investigation by comparing its results with those obtained with superelements and without substructuring. We point out that because the used FBS process starts with a modal representation of the components rather than their frequency response functions (FRF) a different class of RCA type becomes available. Then we introduce new RCA types starting with an analysis named Modal Influence (MI) that reveals the effect of the modes of any component on a certain response. Its key characteristic is that MI analysis is not restricted to the response component opposite to the well-known modal participation factors. Finally, a second novel analysis type is introduced, an advanced variant of Transfer Path Analysis (TPA). While standard TPA assesses the paths between only two system components, the new Expanding TPA is a multi-step process that identifies the most critical path across all components in a fully automated way.
This digital standard is a requirements extract of AS4159 Specification For An Automated Interchange Of Standards Data. This file contains a general requirements extraction as well as files that are optimized for use with Doors Classic, Siemens Polarian, and PTC.
This digital standard is a requirements extract of AS13001A Delegated Product Release Verification Training Requirements. This file contains a general requirements extraction as well as files that are optimized for use with Doors Classic, Siemens Polarian, and PTC.
This digital standard is a digital model of AS9100D Quality Management Systems - Requirements for Aviation, Space, and Defense Organization. This file contains an MBSE model in a mdzip file for use in modeling applications.
This digital standard is a requirements extract of AS13100A Quality Management System Requirements for Aero Engine Design and Production Organizations. This file contains a general requirements extraction as well as files that are optimized for use with Doors Classic, Siemens Polarian, and PTC.
This digital standard is a requirements extract of AS9145 Requirements for Advanced Product Quality Planning and Production Part Approval Process. This file contains a general requirements extraction as well as files that are optimized for use with Doors Classic, Siemens Polarian, and PTC.
The Army requires rotorcraft drive systems to operate for 30 minutes following a loss of lubrication event to make an emergency landing. Coatings research has shown great promise for loss of lubrication, but coating repeatability and quality control is a primary hurdle. The Army partnered with Acree Technologies via a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) effort to develop an optimized gear coating for loss of lubrication. The research culminated in a system level transmission experiment that maintained flight relevant torque and speed through a helicopter gearbox without oil for three hours. The authors decided to shutdown the experiment for inspection after three hours of operation without oil because the temperature and vibration signals maintained steady state conditions without signs of failure. Teardown analysis showed the transmission gear surfaces did not scuff, scanning electron microscope analysis showed coating remained on the gear teeth, and cross-sectional SEM analysis showed a measurable coating thickness remaining on the gear teeth after three-hours of operation without oil.
This paper presents the implementation of a fully automated Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) data chain designed to accelerate installed engine performance diagnostics during the pre-delivery phase of new-generation helicopters. Ensuring that engine performance remains consistent with original engine manufacturer (OEM) baseline data is a critical step in the final assembly process, yet traditionally time-consuming. The developed system automates data offloading and integrates three distinct streams: OEM engine performance characteristics, in-flight Engine Power Checks (EPC), and high-frequency continuous recordings. The core innovation lies in a multi-source data fusion methodology combined with a physics-based model to differentiate between genuine installation discrepancies and sensor anomalies through temperature deviation analysis. Results from the production environment demonstrate that this automated approach significantly reduces troubleshooting lead times and ensures on-time aircraft delivery. By shifting advanced monitoring from in-service operations to manufacturing, this system establishes a new digital benchmark for quality control in helicopter production.
Gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines are the most common technology on American roadways in 2025, and soon, an industrywide gasoline quality standard will better reflect their unique operational needs. Here's why that's important. It's no secret that fuel economy has been one of the greatest driving forces of automotive evolution over the past several decades. As corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards have grown increasingly lofty, OEMs eke out new efficiencies from every area of the vehicle. One of those areas, of course, is the engine, and many OEMs have deployed gasoline direct injection (GDI) technology, which is becoming the most common engine technology on American roadways. But while GDI engines proliferate, varying fuel additization throughout North America has not necessarily kept pace with their unique needs and can, in fact, hinder those engines from meeting and sustaining their full fuel economy potential.
In the rapidly evolving aerospace and defense landscape, simply keeping pace with trends isn't enough. Technology is advancing faster than ever, and in mission critical applications, failure is not an option. Systems must endure harsh environments while meeting uncompromising quality standards - an imperative that demands relentless innovation. Enter the Coyotes: WOLF's specialists in next generation rugged embedded systems, small form factor design, and bold, practical ideas. Whether on Earth or in orbit, they expand what high performance embedded computing can do across ground, orbital, lunar and deep space operations. Their work spans R&D, rapid prototyping and new product development for edge computing and artificial intelligence (AI) enabled imaging.
In the rapidly evolving aerospace and defense landscape, simply keeping pace with trends isn’t enough. Technology is advancing faster than ever, and in mission critical applications, failure is not an option. Systems must endure harsh environments while meeting uncompromising quality standards — an imperative that demands relentless innovation.
The interior noise and thermal performance of the passenger compartment are critical criteria for ensuring driving comfort [1]. This paper presents the optimization of air conditioning (AC) compressor noise, specifically for the low-powered 1.0 L - ICE engine paired with a 120 cc IVDC compressor. This combination is quite challenging due to the high operational load & higher operating pressure. To enhance better in-cabin cooling efficiency, compressor’s operating efficiency must be improved, which necessitates a higher displacement of the compressor. However, increased displacement results in greater internal forces which leads to more structure-borne induced noise inside the cabin. For this specific configuration, the compressor operating pressure reached up to 25 bars under most driving conditions. During dynamic driving scenario, a metallic tonal noise from the compressor was reported in a compact vehicle segment. It is reported as very annoying to passengers inside. A comprehensive root cause analysis was conducted, including Transfer Path Analysis (TPA), evaluation of compressor fixation points stiffness, and dynamic noise signature analysis. The investigation revealed that the metallic noise was a combination of moaning and whining sounds, primarily caused by internal excitation forces within the compressor. These forces generated dominant excitations at high operating pressures, resulting in the observed tonal noise. Several countermeasures were explored, including changes to the compressor pulley ratio to decouple engine firing frequency excitations, modifications to the AC pipe bends to reduce excitation forces, and optimization of acoustic mass and compressor mounting stiffness. Collaboration work has been done with the supplier focused on fine-tuning the Mass Flow Control Valve (MFCV) settings [6] and adjusting compressor shaft tolerance. The most effective solutions were the compressor pulley ratio change and the modification of the compressor’s planetary plate angle, which together achieved an improvement of approximately 6 dB(A) in compressor order noise, significantly reducing customer-perceived annoyance. As a result, key NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) design rules have been established and implemented
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