Impact-Damage Equivalency for Twisted Composite Blades with Symmetrical Configurations

Abstract

In spite of potential advantages for aircraft structures, composite laminates can be subjected to bird-strike hazard in civil aviation. For purpose of future surrogate experiments, in this study, impact-damage equivalency for twisted composite blades is numerically investigated by Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) and finite element method (FEM). Cantilever slender flat plates are usually used for basic impact tests, the impact-damage equivalency is being considered by comparing damage modes and energies of three impact configurations: (1) twisted blade; (2) flat blade (axisymmetric); and (3) inclined flat blade (centrosymmetric). The damage maps and energy variations were comparatively investigated. Results indicate that both symmetrical flat and inclined flat blades can be, to a certain extent, regarded as alternatives for real twisted blades under bird impact; however, both types of blade have their own merits and drawbacks, and hence should be used carefully. These results aim to serve as tentative design guideline for future prototype or model experimental study of laminated blades in real aeronautical structures.