Feasibility of United States Air Force Finite Element Model Center
Abstract
The feasibility of establishing a centralized facility for acquiring, storing, and distributing finite element models used by the United States Air Force is investigated. Through contacts with potential finite element users, the nature of usage within the technical community is characterized. The cost- effectiveness of servicing user needs through a centralized facility is investigated. The technical approach, software, and hardware for operating the center is studied. It is concluded that such a center would be feasible and cost-effective. Finite element (FE) methods are widely recognized as the primary means of analyzing the structural integrity of aircraft. These methods evolved from rare uses in the mid-1960s to general usage in the 1970s to virtually universal usage in the 1980s; thus, the existence and completeness of FE models to confirm design adequacy for an existing aircraft is highly dependent on the aircraft vintage. However, the structural integrity of future aircraft can be expected to be supported by rather complete hierarchy FE models. At least the first generation of these models for a new aircraft is developed during the design phase of the aircraft life cycle.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA221967
Entities
People
- Jerrell M. Thomas
- Paul R. Johnston
Organizations
- Exponent