Occupant injury analysis and aircraft crashworthiness evaluation under crash scenarios

To analyze the dynamic response of fuselage section and occupant injury under crash scenarios, the vertical drop test of typical fuselage section of large aircraft (including two sets of triple seats and four dummies) at 6.02 m/s was conducted. The crash response data of fuselage section and occupants were obtained, and the crash damage of fuselage section and occupant injury were analyzed, and the evaluation of aircraft crashworthiness was conducted through considering survivable volume, retention strength, occupant injury and emergency evacuation. The drop test results show that the sub-cabin floor structures suffer the serious deformation and damage, and three plastic hinges are generated in the sub-cargo middle supporting columns area and the connection areas between the both sides cabin supporting columns and fuselage frames. The cabin area is remained basically intact, and the survivable volume is maintained. The connections between the seats and the cabin floor guide rail are maintained in good condition, and the occupant seat belts are kept in place. The maximum value of head injury criterion is 31.47, and the maximum compressive load of occupant lumbar spine is 3 997.2 N. The dummies lean towards the aisle, and the occupant egress paths are maintained. The risk of occupant injury is relatively low at the vertical velocity of 6.02 m/s through conducting the aircraft crashworthiness evaluation.