Ground resonance in helicopters

In helicopter development, vibrations are more than a question of comfort. Under certain conditions, they can become a serious threat to structural integrity.

Ground resonance can occur when vibrations in the rotor system couple with the helicopter’s structural modes while the aircraft is in contact with the ground. If these oscillations reinforce each other, amplitudes can increase dramatically within seconds.

While careful design can minimize the risk, ground resonance can never be completely ruled out. That makes comprehensive testing across the relevant frequency spectrum an essential part of helicopter development.

This is where ASC accelerometers deliver the precise measurement data engineers need:

– The triaxial capacitive ASC 5421MF captures accelerations from 0 Hz (DC) and combines a wide frequency response with shock resistance of up to 6,000 g.
– The compact, triaxial piezoelectric KS903B.10 and KS903B.100 extend vibration analysis more than 7 kHz, making them highly suitable for dynamic, modal and structural measurements.

Together, they help engineers understand complex vibration behavior – and develop safer, more resilient rotorcraft.

Want to strengthen aviation testing with high-performance inertial sensors? Contact us for the best measurement solution for your application.