Functional geometric characterization of lifting airfoil: An ICP based metrological approach

• An ICP algorithm analyses airfoil camber, thickness, and form deviations. • The new method distinguishes local vs. global defects, enhancing defect analysis. • Achieves high accuracy in capturing functionally relevant deviations. • Improves tolerance control, directly benefiting aerodynamic performance. This paper presents a novel metrological approach for the functional geometric characterization of lifting airfoils, utilizing an Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm to assess deviations in camber, thickness, and form. Traditional geometric specification methods, such as line profile tolerances, often fail to capture the full impact of geometric deviations on airfoil performance. In response, the proposed methodology addresses this limitation by linking airfoil geometry more closely to functional requirements. The new methodology was validated using synthetic datasets and real-world data, demonstrating robustness in the absence of noise and highlighting areas for improvement in noise handling. The findings suggest that the ICP-based method is a valuable tool for airfoil manufacturing, enhancing conformity checks against design specifications. This study opens pathways for more accurate tolerance synthesis and enhanced quality control in the production of lifting airfoils.