Non-linear numerical modelling of aircraft impact

Non-linear. explicit. finite element models were generated to predict the r esponse of aircraft impacting into concrete runways and soil surfaces or re inforced concrete, steel lined shelters. Previously. simplified methods wer e used to represent the forces resulting from an aircraft crash. Models of C-130 and C-141 aircraft were developed for a Defence Threat Reduction Agen cy sponsored safety assessment. The purpose of the calculations was to gene rate the internal aircraft and structural environments for the safety asses sment as a result of the aircraft impacts into shelters and onto soil and r unway surfaces. "Riera-type" loadings were also used to determine the general capacity and failure modes of the impacted structures. Finite element C-130 and C-141 mo dels were then used to impact the shelters with the same aircraft weight an d velocity, Three explicit calculations were run to compare the shelter res ponses. One case did not fail the shelter and two cases - one C-130 and the C-141 did. Details of the difference in results using the simplified loadi ng and explicit aircraft impact modelling are presented as well as crash re sults into runways and soils.