Numerical Approach To A Reverse Problem Using Ls-Dyna3d Analysis: Collision Of An Aeroplane Door With The Ground

Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) with LS-DYNA3D is used to determine the initial conditions needed for aircraft components to become damaged as observed after impact with the ground. Determining initial conditions of aircraft or components-impact velocity, orientation with respect to the ground before impact, and average soil properties-could reproduce the damage observed at the final state and reveal the condition of the structures immediately prior to collision with the ground. Predictive methods using FEA require detailed reverse engineering modelling of components, highly accurate material model characteristics and multiple numerical simulations for unknown parameters in order to identify average soil properties and initial conditions of components such that the numerically generated final results will agree with the condition observed following impact. A case study is presented in which various scenarios are considered for the impact of the door of a large passenger aircraft with soil at the crash site.