Hope College Department of Physics and Engineering Research Experiences for Undergraduates Summer 2001 Project Summary

Project Title: The effects of cabin pressurization on the damage of aircraft due to an on board explosion.
Student Name: Meggan J. Allen
Student’s home institution: The Pennsylvania State University
Research Advisor(s): Dr. Roger L. Veldman
Source of Support (NSF-REU, or other): NSF-REU
 

In order to increase the survivability of a commercial aircraft in the event of an on-board explosion many factors must first be understood. The research done this summer was done in order to better understand one of these factors, the effect cabin pressurization on fuselage blast damage. Although it is generally understood that cabin pressurization will increase aircraft structural damage due to an explosion, these effects have not been clearly quantified. This research examined the effects of pre-pressurization on the dynamic response of a square clamped plate under impact loading from an elastic, low-velocity projectile. Projectiles of varying mass and impact velocities were considered. The effect of pressurization on maximum deflection of a square, clamped plate was predicted using transient finite element analysis. The set up can be seen below.

Front view of tank, showing the square clamped plate.
 

Side view of set up.
 

These predictions were then verified through experimental measurements. The experimental measurements showed good correlation with the finite element predictions. This can be seen for two different mass sizes and varying pressures below. The effects of explosive blast waves on a pre-pressurized plate can next be effectively addressed using the finite element models and the parameters developed in this research.

Comparison of experimental displacement vs. static pressures and predicted displacement vs. static pressure.
 

Slide show of Meggan Allen's work