Variation analysis driven by small-sample data for compliant aero-structure assembly
ISSN: 0144-5154
Article publication date: 7 March 2019
Issue publication date: 16 April 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Assembly variation analysis generally demands probability distributions of variation sources. However, due to small production volume in aircraft manufacturing, especially prototype manufacturing, the probability distributions are hard to obtain, and only the small-sample data of variation sources can be consulted. Thus, this paper aims to propose a variation analysis method driven by small-sample data for compliant aero-structure assembly.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a hybrid assembly variation model, integrating rigid effects with flexibility, is constructed based on the homogeneous transformation and elasticity mechanics. Then, the bootstrap approach is introduced to estimate a variation source based on small-sample data. The influences of bootstrap parameters on the estimation accuracy are analyzed to select suitable parameters for acceptable estimation performance. Finally, the process of assembly variation analysis driven by small-sample data is demonstrated.
Findings
A variation analysis method driven by small-sample data, considering both rigid effects and flexibility, is proposed for aero-structure assembly. The method provides a good complement to traditional variation analysis methods based on probability distributions of variation sources.
Practical implications
With the proposed method, even if probability distribution information of variation sources cannot be obtained, accurate estimation of the assembly variation could be achieved. The method is well suited for aircraft assembly, especially in the stage of prototype manufacturing.
Originality/value
A variation analysis method driven by small-sample data is proposed for aero-structure assembly, which can be extended to deal with other similar applications.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by Science Fund for Creative Research Groups of National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 51221004) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 51675479).
Citation
Mei, B., Zhu, W., Ke, Y. and Zheng, P. (2019), "Variation analysis driven by small-sample data for compliant aero-structure assembly", Assembly Automation, Vol. 39 No. 1, pp. 101-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/AA-07-2017-077
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited