Impact Energy Absorption Features for Tensor-Skin Fuselage Box Structure

Finite-element software was used to conduct a simulated analysis of hard ground, soft soil, and water impacts for the composite tensor-skin fuselage box structure of helicopters; to study the energy absorption of the tensor skin in hard ground, soft soil, and water impacts; and to compare the accelerated velocity of the tensor-skin fuselage box structure under these impact conditions to establish whether the acceleration peak of the water impact is smaller than that of the hard ground and soft soil impacts. For the water impact, the well-designed tensor skin absorbs energy by stretching the fold area, so the tensor skin provides a greater advantage over a traditional skin in improving safety in helicopter impact. It is important to ensure that all wrinkles are spread successfully in the design of the tensor skin. A tensor ply spread is important for the tensor skin to absorb energy and to maintain structural integrity. The tensor skin offers greater safety advantages over traditional skins in helicopter crashes at the water surface.