Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Crashworthiness Properties of Composite Materials: A Review

Abstract

Crashworthiness is a critical property that enables aerospace structures to minimise injuries and equipment damage during impact scenarios. This review examines the current state of crashworthiness research, with a focus on regulatory frameworks, experimental testing, and numerical modelling techniques. Stringent safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guide the design and certification protocols for aeronautical structures. Experimental crash testing, which includes both full-scale and subscale impact tests, provides essential data for validating material behaviour and energy absorption capabilities under both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Advanced numerical modelling tools offer significant insights into crash behaviour, enabling optimisation of structural designs whilst reducing reliance on costly physical testing. This review highlights the integration of regulations, empirical data, and computational tools in advancing crashworthiness research, with an emphasis on developing safer, more efficient, and sustainable aerospace designs. Future directions should prioritise the use of sustainable materials and optimise crashworthy designs through artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced numerical models to enhance structural performance and safety.