Research on Surface Defect Positioning Method of Air Rudder Based on Camera Mapping Model

(1) Background: Air rudders are used to control the flight attitude of aircraft, and their surface quality directly affects flight accuracy and safety. (2) Method: Traditional positioning methods can only obtain defect location information at the image level but cannot determine the defect’s physical surface position on the air rudder, which lacks guidance for subsequent defect repair. We propose a defect physical surface positioning method based on a camera mapping model. (3) Results: Repeated positioning experiments were conducted on three typical surface defects of the air rudder, with a maximum absolute error of 0.53 mm and a maximum uncertainty of 0.26 mm. Through hardware systems and software development, the real-time positioning function for surface defects on the air rudder was realized, with the maximum axial positioning error for real-time defect positioning being 0.38 mm. (4) Conclusions: The proposed defect positioning method meets the required accuracy, providing a basis for surface defect repair in the air rudder manufacturing process. It also offers a new approach for surface defect positioning in similar products, with engineering application value.