What is it about?

This study aims to introduce a viable alternative training technique in the drilling of aerospace-grade CFRP panels by developing a virtual reality (VR) system. The traditional training system in the drilling of aerospace-grade CFRP panels requires many resources, including time, materials, tools, and instructors. The proposed VR system mainly consists of a Realistic Human Ergonomics Analysis (RHEA), a 6D haptic device, motion trackers, a 3D Power Wall system, and 3D projectors. Based on several critical parameters involved in the actual drilling, the VR system can accurately rate the performance of a particular technician. Hence, the system is statically proven to be feasible in training beginners to master the essential skills in the drilling of aerospace-grade CFRP.

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Why is it important?

In the aerospace industry, precision is crucial as failure means loss of precious lives and costly equipment. Despite having automated drilling systems to perform precise drilling, human expertise is still irreplaceable, especially in performing a proper angled drilling on irregular-shaped larger aircraft panels. Therefore, training is still needed to help technicians to master proper drilling techniques, especially to drill with the right thrust force. It is essential to stay within the acceptable range of several critical parameters like maximum overshoot, time taken to penetrate, and maximum opening of blocks. In order to enhance the skill set of the technicians while keeping the cost at bay, a VR system has been developed through this study. It is capable of training a beginner driller to become an expert.

Perspectives

This study aims to achieve “Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Air travel is becoming more common than ever in order to cater to the increase in demand for both commercial and non-commercial. This implies that keeping up with the quality and maintenance of aircraft is bound to be a challenge. To address this matter practically, improvements have to be done to increase the efficiency of the manufacturing line of aircraft. The studied VR system shows promising results in producing highly-qualified drilling technicians, and the same concept can be implemented in the necessary part of the manufacturing line.

Hwa Jen Yap
University of Malaya

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Haptic-based virtual reality system to enhance actual aerospace composite panel drilling training, January 2019, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-08-102291-7.00007-1.
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