FUSELAGE DROP TEST FACILITY

PROJECT TITLE:
1. Crashworthiness Analysis of Scaled Down Fuselage Section with Sub-Floor
Sandwich Foam Core Energy Absorber
2. Water Impact Testing and Simulation of Crashworthy Fuselage Section

AIM:
The main objective of the project is to design a crash-worthy fuselage capable to
withstand impact on crash landing. An energy absorber (polyurethane rigid foams of
varying density) that can absorb impact energy on crashing is being introduced. It is
also aimed at reducing the g-force on passengers by alleviating the impact load to an
allowable level for the human body.

The project is targeted to reduce the collision force that will be exerted on the
passengers on crash landing. This will in turn improve the safety of the passengers on
the aircraft in the event of crash landing.

EXPERIMENT:

The experimental setup includes a 5m high test rig, electric hoist, 6 Aluminum cross-
sectional fuselage models of 0.5m diameter, polyurethane rigid foams of varying
density, solenoid release mechanism, accelerometers and a data acquisition system.
The experiment will be conducted both on ground and water. This experimental result
will be compared using analytical software: LS-DYNA.

This particular drop test facility is an honor for our Institution because this kind of project
has not been conducted in any other Indian Institutions. After successful completion of
the project, the test rig used for the drop test would be useful for future laboratorial
purposes for the students of our college.
BUDGET:

The total expense for the project is estimated to be around Rs 1 lakh. As of now, the
test rig and the 6 aluminum cross-sectional fuselage models have been fabricated along
with which an electric hoist and polyurethane rigid foams also have been purchased.

S.No ITEMS QTY AMOUNT

1. Test Rig (5.5m x 2.5m) 1 40,000/-

2. Electric Hoist 1 8,260/-

3. Polyurethane Rigid Foams (0.5m x 0.5m 8 1,800/-

0.05m)
4. Aluminum Cross-sectional Fuselage Models 6 30,000/-
(0.5m x 0.5m)
5. Release Mechanism 1 10,000/-

TOTAL 90,060/-
WORK FLOW CHART
TEST RIG