Numerical simulation of impact damage in composite horizontal stabilizer structure

master's thesis

• Title (croatian): Numerička simulacija udarnih oštećenja kompozitne konstrukcije horizontalnog stabilizatora
• Author: Dominik Šahović
• Mentor: Ivica Smojver (mentor)
• Granter: University of Zagreb; Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture; Zagreb
• Defense date and country: 2024-07-15, Croatia
• Scientific / art field, discipline and subdiscipline: TECHNICAL SCIENCES; Aviation, Rocket and Space Technology; Aircraft Construction and Design

Abstract

This master's thesis investigates the numerical simulation of impact damage on composite horizontal stabilizer structures caused by bird strikes. The primary objective is to develop and validate a numerical model capable of predicting the damage inflicted by bird strikes on horizontal stabilizers made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). Using advanced computational techniques such as finite element analysis (FEA), the research evaluates the post-impact structural integrity of these components.
The significance of this research lies in the increasing incidence of bird strikes as air traffic grows, posing substantial risks during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing. The thesis underscores the necessity of rigorous analysis and mitigation strategies to ensure flight safety. It also highlights the aviation industry's transition towards composite materials, which, while offering superior strength-to-weight ratios, exhibit complex failure mechanisms under impact that must be understood to enhance resilience.
The research employs Abaqus/Explicit and LS DYNA for simulating bird strikes, detailing the methods and procedures for creating accurate models. Comparing simulation results with experimental data is crucial for validating theoretical models and refining them to better represent real-world phenomena. This process involves meticulous qualitative and quantitative analyses, considering uncertainties and requiring interdisciplinary collaboration. The convergence of simulation and experimental results is vital for innovation and improvement in aerospace engineering.

Abstract (croatian)

Ovaj diplomski rad istražuje numeričku simulaciju oštećenja na kompozitnim horizontalnim stabilizatorima uzrokovanih udarima ptica. Primarni cilj istraživanja je razviti i potvrditi numerički model sposoban predvidjeti oštećenja nastala udarom ptica na horizontalne stabilizatore izrađene od polimera ojačanog ugljičnim vlaknima (CFRP). Koristeći napredne računalne tehnike poput metode konačnih elemenata (FEA), istraživanje procjenjuje konstrukcijski integritet ovih komponenti nakon udara.
Značaj ovog istraživanja leži u sve većoj učestalosti udara ptica s porastom zračnog prometa, što predstavlja značajne rizike tijekom kritičnih faza leta poput polijetanja i slijetanja. Rad naglašava nužnost rigorozne analize i strategija ublažavanja kako bi se osigurala sigurnost leta. Također ističe prijelaz u zrakoplovnoj industriji prema kompozitnim materijalima koji, iako nude superioran omjer čvrstoće i težine, pokazuju složene mehanizme loma pri udaru koje je potrebno razumjeti za poboljšanu otpornost.
Istraživanje koristi Abaqus/Explicit i LS DYNA za simulaciju udara ptica, detaljno opisujući metode i postupke za stvaranje točnih modela. Usporedba rezultata simulacije s eksperimentalnim podacima ključna je za validaciju teorijskih modela i njihovu prilagodbu kako bi bolje predstavljali stvarne fenomene. Ovaj proces uključuje detaljne kvalitativne i kvantitativne analize, uzimanje u obzir nesigurnosti i zahtijeva interdisciplinarnu suradnju. Konvergencija simulacijskih i eksperimentalnih rezultata ključna je za inovacije i napredak u zrakoplovnom inženjerstvu.

• Keywords: Numerical Simulation; Impact Damage; Composite Structures; Bird Strikes; CFRP; Finite Element Analysis; Abaqus/Explicit; LS DYNA; Structural Integrity; Aerospace Engineering
• Keywords (croatian): Numerička simulacija; Oštećenje od udara; Kompozitne konstrukcije; Udari ptica; CFRP; Metoda konačnih elemenata; Abaqus/Explicit; LS DYNA; integritet konstrukcije; Zrakoplovno inženjerstvo
• Language: english
• URN:NBN: urn:nbn:hr:235:047462
• Study programme: Title: Aeronautical Studies; Study programme type: university; Study level: graduate; Academic / professional title: magistar/magistra inženjer/inženjerka zrakoplovnog inženjerstva (magistar/magistra inženjer/inženjerka zrakoplovnog inženjerstva)
• Type of resource: Text
• File origin: Born digital
• Access conditions: Embargoed access; Embargo expiration date: 2029-07-15
• Created on: 2024-07-11 17:02:02