Coupling of static and dynamic fuselage design

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a methodology for the evaluation of transport aircraft fuselages constructed in a semi-monocoque design.

Design/methodology/approach

A fuselage barrel was computed statically and dynamically using finite element methods. Static analysis was conducted using a global/local approach in which the section loads of the global model were used as load introduction in the local model. Subsequently, a crash analysis was performed, and the results from both disciplines were evaluated by either an optimization or parameter variation algorithm.

Findings

The presented process chain has been developed for use in preliminary design stages to assess aircraft configurations with regard to statics and dynamics. Parameter variation and optimization were conducted, proving functionality of the methodology.

Research limitations/implications

In this early stage of methodology development only one exemplary static load case is considered and the fuselage design is limited to a constant section.

Practical implications

The presented process chain shows an approach to couple different disciplines to reduce the analysis time in aircraft preliminary design phase.

Originality/value

This methodology couples static design and crashworthiness aspects at an early design stage to avoid time- and cost-intensive redesign in subsequent detailed design stages. The process chain introduced in this paper uses a parameterized approach, making this methodology applicable for each fuselage in semi-monocoque design.

Citation

Schwinn, D.B. (2016), "Coupling of static and dynamic fuselage design", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 88 No. 1, pp. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-12-2013-0231