Full-scale crash test and simulation of a composite helicopter

A finite element model of the Sikorsky Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP) helicopter was developed using the non-linear, explicit transient dynamic code, MSC.Dytran. Analytical predictions were correlated with experimental data obtained from a full-scale crash test of the Sikorsky ACAP helic...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of crashworthiness 2001-01, Vol.6 (4), p.485-498
Main Authors: Fasanella, E. L., Boitnott, R. L., Lyle, K. H., Jackson, K. E.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:A finite element model of the Sikorsky Advanced Composite Airframe Program (ACAP) helicopter was developed using the non-linear, explicit transient dynamic code, MSC.Dytran. Analytical predictions were correlated with experimental data obtained from a full-scale crash test of the Sikorsky ACAP helicopter flight test article that was conducted in June 1999 at the Impact Dynamics Research Facility of NASA Langley Research Centre, Hampton, Virginia, USA. The helicopter was impacted at 11.58 m/s vertical and 9.9-m/s forward velocity with an attitude of 6.25° pitch (nose up) and 3.5° left roll. Due to the relatively long crash pulse duration, a rigid-body helicopter model with an energy absorbing landing gear model was executed initially. Prior to fuselage contact, a deformable structural model was executed with the rigid-body nodal displacements and velocities used as initial conditions.
ISSN:1358-8265
1754-2111
DOI:10.1533/cras.2001.0192