Multiple-Bird-Strike Probability Model and Dynamic Response of Engine Fan Blades

Bird strikes pose one of the most significant threats to aviation safety, often leading to substantial loss of life and economic damage. Many bird strike incidents involve multiple birds. However, in previous bird strike studies, the problem of multiple bird strikes has often been neglected. In this paper, the bird slicing process of a rotating engine fan is examined, and a probability model is introduced to assess the risk of multiple impacts on the fan blades. In addition, this paper utilized an implicit–explicit calculation method. The parameters of blade root stress, tip displacement, plastic deformation, and energy were selected to investigate the effects of the time interval and strike position of a bird strike on the dynamic response of and damage to the blades. The results indicated that the position of bird strikes has a more pronounced effect on blade damage compared to the time interval between impacts. Damage to a blade is most severe when the blade root is struck multiple times. Multiple bird strikes may not always lead to a significant increase in maximum blade tip displacement, and may even have a dampening effect.