• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.78 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2021

To investigate numerically the effect of all parameters on the outcome of an aircraft impact into robust engineering structures like nuclear power plant containments is a tedious task. In order to reduce the problem to a manageable size, we propose a single dimensionless parameter, the damage potential, to characterize the main features of the impact. The damage potential, which is the ratio of the initial kinetic energy of the aircraft to the work required to crush it, enables us to find the crucial parameter settings that need to be modelled numerically in detail. We show in this paper that the damage potential is indeed the most important parameter of the impact that determines the time-dependent reaction force when either finite element (FE) modelling or the Riera model is applied. We find that parameters that do not alter the damage potential, like elasticity of the target, are of secondary importance and if parameters are altered in a way that the damage potential remains the same then the course of the impact remains similar. We show, however, that the maximum value of the reaction force can be higher in case of elastic targets than in case of rigid targets due to the vibration of the target. The difference between the Riera and FE model results is also found to depend on the damage potential.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.58-63
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• 2010

Introduction : Head trauma is the main cause of death in aircraft crash. In a Michigan study of structurally survivable, fatal accidents, 80% of the fatally injured had received head trauma. We tried to develop a new helmet for passengers, and perform its efficiency test. Methods : An aircraft helmet requires an excellent protection against head trauma, lightness, and small volumes. In addition, it must be wearable, fire resistant, and non toxic when it is burning. We developed two new helmets made from silicone foam which met all theses requirements. One was thin (2.5cm), and the other was thick (6.3cm). These looked like a motorcycle helmet and had only a soft silicone as liner material without an outer hard shell. Therefore we can carry them easily inside aircrafts. The standard test for helmet is Snell's drop test. It measures the impact acceleration of head shaped metal wearing helmet during we drop it at certain heights. Impact sites were total 5 sites (front, back, right, left and top) for each helmet. All these sites were impacted twice. Results : The thickness of impact sites varied from 2.5cm to 6.3cm. The impact acceleration of 2.5cm thickness site when it was dropped from 1.0 meter was 379g. But, that of 6.3cm thickness site when it was dropped from 1.5 meter was only 163g. Unfortunately, both helmets didn't meet the Snell Standard for motorcycle helmets. Discussion : If we add suitable outer hard shell, and change its thickness and design, the efficiency will be increased. A study indicated that helmet could reduce the risk of head trauma up to 85%. We made helmet for passengers in aircraft crash for the first time. If we improve its weak points, it will decrease the frequency of head trauma in aircraft craft.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.14-23
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• 1998

The present study investigates numerically particle laden flow through compressor cascade. In general, a lot of turbine engines are affected by various particles which are suspending in the atmosphere. Especially in the case of aircraft aviating in volcanic, industrial and desert region including many particles, each components of engine system are damaged severely. That damage modes are erosion of compressor binding and rotor path components, partial or total blockage of cooling passage and engine control system degradation.. Initial damages can not be serious but cumulation of damages influences on safety of aircraft control and economical maintenance cost of engine system can be increased. When dust, materials and volcanic particles in the atmosphere flow in the compressor, it is necessary to predict damaged and deposited region of compressor blades. To the various flow inlet angle, predictions of particles trajectory in compressor cascade by Lagrangian method are presented and impulses by impaction of particles at blade surface are calculated. By the definition of particle deposition efficiency, characteristics of particles impact are considered quantitatively. With these prediction and experimental data, erosion rates are predicted for two materials - ceramic, soft metal - on compressor blade surface. Improvements like coating of blade surface could be found, by above prediction.