Composite fuselage impact testing and simulation: A model calibration exercise

Abstract

Results from a model calibration study of a composite fuselage front frame test article subjected to impact loading are presented. The effort, undertaken over a 2 year time period, involved both modal and impact testing of the front frame section of a composite fuselage test article. Data from both types of tests were used with multi-dimensional calibration metrics to assess model adequacy. Specifically, two metrics are used: (1) a metric to assess the probability of enveloping the measured displacement during impact, and (2) an orthogonality metric to assess model adequacy between test and analysis. Because the impact test is destructive, vibration test data were also collected for model assessments in terms of modes of vibration. To justify the use of vibration data for calibration of the impact model, the paper discusses how to assess the relevancy of vibration data for calibration of impact models. Finally, results from the impact test are discussed and compared to model predictions and model uncertainty bounds.