1. Introduction
Certification specifications for Light Sport Aeroplanes (CS-LSA) define
the strength requirements for the Light Sport aircraft and confirm the
importance of the fatigue analysis [1].
The trend currently exists to monitor metal fatigue by Structural Health
Monitoring Systems. This approach is on the way to be implemented into
contemporary large planes. There are many reasons to use fatigue
monitoring for small planes as well. Taking into account the limitation
of the weight for this category of aircraft, the described here
miniature autonomous fatigue indicator looks a prospective alternative
to the complex monitoring systems.
Another problem of light planes is an operational overstress of
principal structural elements. Sometimes these planes are not equipped
with an accelerometer. Overstress of the plane components due to the
incorrect flight regime can lead to the primary structure deformation,
and even to the aircraft crash.
One fatal accident [2] with Cessna 210L Centurion was investigated
but the final precise decision regarding the cause of the aircraft
fracture was not made. The presence of the overstress indicator would
clarify the situation and develop some recommendations for pilots and
engineers.