Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Airport Approach Lighting Structures under Impact Loading
This paper describes computer simulation of the impact of airport approach lighting structures using the LS-DYNA nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) software. Two tower designs were investigated in this simulation. First, a finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate the impact of a representative tower typical of those used at Canadian airports. This was 6.6 m tall tower with a triangular cross section made of aluminum. The analysis simulated an aircraft wing striking the tower triangular cross section 1 m from the top in two different orientations of the tower, at the apex and on the side. Top mass of 2.72 kg or 5.44 kg, representative of lights and/or light fixtures was included in the model which was impacted at three different impact velocities: 50, 80 and 140 km/h. Further simulation was carried out on a second model of an approach light masts with different geometry and made of a different material typical of those used at some European airports. These were 6 m tall masts, and contained a dummy top mass of 15 kg, simulating the effect of a cross-bar with three approach lights. The masts were configured as a composite lattice structure with a square cross section made of glass/epoxy. The impact of the mast at a height of 4.1 m above the ground due to an impact of the moving aircraft wing at velocity of 140 km/h was simulated. The duration of the simulation in both cases was 100 milliseconds to captured the phase in which most of the damage to the tower took place. Simulation results were used to predict the deformation mode and magnitude, location and timing of failure, impact force and energy absorption curves as a function of time during the impact. These results were compared to experimental data from full-scale tests to validate the accuracy of the models. These data were necessary for the development of simplified requirements and test methods for the design of frangible structures that minimize the impact hazard to aircraft.
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Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Airport Approach Lighting Structures under Impact Loading
This paper describes computer simulation of the impact of airport approach lighting structures using the LS-DYNA nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) software. Two tower designs were investigated in this simulation. First, a finite element model (FEM) was developed to simulate the impact of a representative tower typical of those used at Canadian airports. This was 6.6 m tall tower with a triangular cross section made of aluminum. The analysis simulated an aircraft wing striking the tower triangular cross section 1 m from the top in two different orientations of the tower, at the apex and on the side. Top mass of 2.72 kg or 5.44 kg, representative of lights and/or light fixtures was included in the model which was impacted at three different impact velocities: 50, 80 and 140 km/h. Further simulation was carried out on a second model of an approach light masts with different geometry and made of a different material typical of those used at some European airports. These were 6 m tall masts, and contained a dummy top mass of 15 kg, simulating the effect of a cross-bar with three approach lights. The masts were configured as a composite lattice structure with a square cross section made of glass/epoxy. The impact of the mast at a height of 4.1 m above the ground due to an impact of the moving aircraft wing at velocity of 140 km/h was simulated. The duration of the simulation in both cases was 100 milliseconds to captured the phase in which most of the damage to the tower took place. Simulation results were used to predict the deformation mode and magnitude, location and timing of failure, impact force and energy absorption curves as a function of time during the impact. These results were compared to experimental data from full-scale tests to validate the accuracy of the models. These data were necessary for the development of simplified requirements and test methods for the design of frangible structures that minimize the impact hazard to aircraft.
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