Bird-strike simulation for certification of the Boeing 787 composite moveable trailing edge

A validated simulation methodology has been developed to support the bird-strike certification of the carbon fibre epoxy composite, moveable trailing edge (MTE) of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The explicit finite element software PAM-CRASH™ was selected to perform the simulations utilising the advanced composite material, fastener and smooth particle hydrodynamic bird models available in the code. The modelling procedures were validated firstly through comparison with existing test data and secondly through the testing and analysis of representative structures. Subsequent use of the validated modelling procedures during the analysis of the MTE facilitated the evaluation of numerous bird-strike scenarios, leading to improved design efficiency and safety, while significantly reducing certification costs.