Numerical and experimental investigation on the energy absorption capability of a full-scale composite fuselage section

In the case of catastrophic events, such as an emergency landing, the fuselage structure is demanded to absorb most of the impact energy preserving, at the same time, a survivable space for the passengers. Moreover, the increasing trend of using composites in the aerospace field is pushing the investigation on the passive safety capabilities of such structures in order to get compliance with regulations and crashworthiness requirements. This paper deals with the development of a numerical model, based on the explicit finite element (FE) method, aimed to investigate the energy absorption capability of a full-scale 95% composite made fuselage section of a civil aircraft. A vertical drop test, performed at the Italian Aerospace Research Centre (CIRA), carried out from a height of 14 feet so to achieve a ground contact velocity of 30 feet/s in according to the FAR/CS 25, has been used to assess the prediction capabilities of the developed FE method, allowing verifying the response under dynamic load condition and the energy absorption capabilities of the designed structure. An established finite element model could be used to define the reliable crashworthiness design strategy to improve the survival chance of the passengers in events such as the investigated one.