Identifying sources of variation in horizontal stabilizer assembly using finite element analysis and principal component analysis

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to propose a method to identify sources of variation in horizontal stabilizer assembly using FEA (finite element analysis) and PCA (principal component analysis). Design/methodology/approach - The horizontal stabilizer is assembled by long and thin-walled deformable aluminum components. Part-to-part assembly of these compliant components regularly causes difficulties associated with dimensional variations. Finite element modeling and PCA are employed to predict the propagation of variation from edge to horizontal stabilizer. Findings - The variation analysis combined with pattern fitting method is demonstrated in a case study of the horizontal stabilizer assembly system and good performance is obtained. The results have shown that the FEA and PCA method has the capability of predicting, to an acceptable degree of accuracy, the overall geometrical variations propagation of the edges and trailing edge. Originality/value - The results of this research will enhance the understanding of the compliant components deformation in assembly, and help to systematically improve the precision control efficiency in civil aircraft assembly.