Analysis of high-speed impact problems in the aircraft industry

The high cost of the energy needed to propel aircraft and ground vehicles has meant that reducing the weight in these systems is vital in order to reduce operational costs. This factor has a significant influence on the design of structures in the aeronautical industry and more recently in others such as high-speed rail networks and road haulage. This is a particularly sensitive issue for the civil aviation industry, given that the cost of fuel is one of the main expenses incurred by passenger airlines. Bearing in mind that fuel represents up to 40% of the total weight of an aircraft, a reduction of its weight results in a concurrent reduction in the amount of fuel needed as well as a significant reduction of the gross weight taken into account.