The purpose of this small business innovative research (SBIR) program was to evaluate the feasibility of developing small composite airplanes with improved crashworthiness. A combination of analysis and half scale component tests were used to develop an energy absorbing airframe. Four full scale crash tests were conducted at the NASA Impact Dynamics Research Facility, two on a hard surface and two onto soft soil, replicating earlier NASA tests of production general aviation airplanes. Several seat designs and restraint systems including both an air bag and load limiting shoulder harnesses were tested. Tests showed that occupant loads were within survivable limits with the improved structural design and the proper combination of seats and restraint systems. There was no loss of cabin volume during the events. The analysis method developed provided design guidance but time did not allow extending the analysis to soft soil impact. This project demonstrated that survivability improvements are possible with modest weight penalties. The design methods can be readily applied by airplane designers using the examples in this report.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Design and Test of an Improved Crashworthiness Small Composite Airframe


    Contributors:
    J. E. Terry (author) / S. J. Hooper (author) / M. Nicholson (author)

    Publication date :

    2002


    Size :

    228 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Design and Test of an Improved Crashworthiness Small Composite Airframe

    Terry, James E. / Hooper, Steven J. / Nicholson, Mark | NTRS | 2002


    Design and Test of an Improved Crashworthiness Small Composite Airframe

    Terry, J. E. / Society of Automotive Engineers | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000



    Development of Airframe Design Technology for Crashworthiness

    Kruszewski, E. T. / Thomson, R. G. | SAE Technical Papers | 1973


    Development of airframe design technology for crashworthiness.

    Kruszewski, E. T. / Thomson, R. G. | NTRS | 1973