Evaluation of the Suitability of the Strain-Gauge Method for Measuring Deformations during the Fatigue Tests of Aviation Composite Structures

The paper discusses the results of selected fatigue tests of a motor glider’s insulated spar structure. The results of the experimental tests were used to assess the potential of the strain-gauge method for diagnosing the spar damage involving the unbolting of one of metal fittings in the spar pin. The usefulness of the deformation measurement method in the composite structure diagnostic process was confirmed, while simultaneously drawing attention to the need for conducting a process optimizing the number of sensors and their distribution on a tested object, in the context of the sensitivity of diagnostic signals received.