From Ken Robart
One possible ploy to detect lethal faults in aircraft would be to equip each one with an array of contact microphones, distributed mostly in critical areas of an aircraft’s structure, and a suitable digital recorder (15 July, p 38).
Using the sophisticated spectrum analysis software now available, it would be possible to discern a characteristic acoustic signature in the audio records of each aircraft, which would change predictably under varying load, temperature, altitude and ageing conditions. When any significant or abrupt deviation in this signature was detected, it would prompt intense investigation.
With the same audio set, engineers could do a routine comparison between symmetrically located transducers – comparing wings or elevators, say. Significant departures from symmetry in the acoustic record of symmetrical assemblies would certainly indicate that all was not well.
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
