Crashworthiness of helicopter on water: design of structures using advanced simulation tools

Objective

The objective of the project is to develop a set of simulation tools and design methodology, which permit cost effective design and entry-into-service of crashworthy (including impact on water) helicopters. In support of this the simulation tools that either do not exist or need significant improvements will be developed so that they are capable of more accurately handling complex response of metal and composite materials and fluid structure interaction in the water impact analysis problem. This will include:
- strain rate dependent orthotropic metal and composite material models,
- features for modelling typical structural joints used on helicopters (e.g. riveted joints, bolts joints, etc),
- capability to model fluid structure interaction in helicopters impact on water,
- new design 'philosophy' and a simulation supported design methodology for crashworthiness in impacts on water.
Through this project European helicopters industry will acquire a better and more effective design capability and gain an international advantage with respect to US industry. Furthermore, this would lead to transfer and exchange of new technology between project partners.

Programme(s)

• FP5-GROWTH - Programme for research technological development and demonstration on "Competitive and sustainable growth 1998-2002"

Topic(s)

• 1.1.3.-4. - Key Action New Perspectives in Aeronautics

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY*

Address

MK43 0AL Cranfield - Bedford
United Kingdom

Participants (13)

AGUSTA S.P.A.

Italy

Address

Via Giovanni Agusta 520
21017 Samarate

CENTRO ITALIANO RICERCHE AEROSPAZIALI SCPA

Italy

Address

Via Maiorise
81043 Capua

ENGINEERING SYSTEM INTERNATIONAL SA

France

Address

Rue Saarinen 20, Silic 270
94578 Rungis

EUROCOPTER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

Germany

Address

81663 Muenchen

GERMAN AEROSPACE CENTRE

Germany

Address

Pfaffenwaldring 38-40
70569 Stuttgart

ISRAEL AIRCRAFT INDUSTRIES LTD

Israel

Address

Ben Gurion International Airport
70100 Tel Aviv/lod (Airport)

MECALOG SARL

France

Address

Centre D'affaires, Rue De La Renaissance 2
92184 Antony

NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS

Greece

Address

42,28Th October Avenue 42
10682 Athens

OFFICE NATIONAL D'ETUDES ET DE RECHERCHES AEROSPATIALES

France

Address

Boulevard Paul Painlevé 5
59045 Lille

POLYTECHNIC OF MILAN

Italy

Address

Via La Masa 34
20156 Milano

STICHTING NATIONAAL LUCHT- EN RUIMTEVAART LABORATORIUM

Netherlands

Address

Voorsterweg 31
8316PR Marknesse

WESTLAND HELICOPTERS LTD.

United Kingdom

Address

Lysander Road
BA20 2YB Yeovil, Somerset

WYTWORNIA SPRZETU KOMUNIKACYJNEGO "PZL - SWIDNIK" SA

Poland

Address

Al. Lotnikow Polskich 1
Swidnik