Design and Test of an Improved Crashworthiness Small Composite Airframe

The goals of this NASA Phase II SBIR program were to develop design methodology to improve occupant survivability in small composite airplanes. Current technology small airplanes absorb crash energy primarily in the cabin structure. The current study tried to increase strength of the occupant compartment and design energy absorbing structure outside the passenger compartment. Dynamics of the crash event were analyzed using a PC version of DYNA3D. Four full scale tests in two crash scenarios were conducted at the NASA Impact Dynamics Test Facility with test parameters set to allow direct comparison with prior NASA/FAA tests. Results indicate that occupant survivability can be improved with moderate weight penalty.