Innovative Energy Absorbing Mounting Systems for High Mass Rotorcraft Payloads
Abstract
This paper presents recent developments on two innovative types of crashworthy cargo restraints for high mass rotorcraft payloads: textile-based devices and flexible matrix composite devices. Each type of device employs energy dissipation mechanisms to arrest the motion of payloads and limit the maximum load transmitted to tie-down points, thereby maintaining control over payload motion and improving crew survivability in the event of a crash or hard landing. The benefit of these devices over traditional devices is in their several-fold improvement in specific energy absorption capability, which leads to less parasitic mass and, therefore, facilitates the process of restraining cargo for cargo handling crews. Progress to-date includes the development of analytical models of both types of devices and experimental validation of the model for textile devices. A system model is also being developed to allow for the future specification of crashworthy restraint approaches for high mass payloads in rotorcraft.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA505766
Entities
People
- Chandrashekhar Tiwari
- Charles E. Bakis
- Edward C Smith
- Matthew J. Hagon
- Michael A. Yukish
- William Kong
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University