Evaluation of Various Design Options for Wing Leading Edge Against Bird Strike

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of bird strike to the wing leading edge of a trainer aircraft in accordance with the EASA CS-23 standards, and compares various options for design of energy absorbing support structures. In this study, bird models with hemispherical-ended cylindrical geometry are simulated using the Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) finite element approach. After validating the impact of the bird model with a rigid plate, the bird strike on the wing leading edge is modelled, and the results are compared with the existing experimental and simulation data available in literature. Finally, different design options for support structures of the wing leading edge are evaluated and the results are compared. It is found that honeycomb sandwich panel support structure displays the best collusion and weight performance.