Simulation Correlation, and Analysis of the Structural Response of a CH-47A to Crash Impact.

The purpose of this effort was to model the dynamic response of the CH-47A helicopter to a crash impact using program KRASH and to correlate the results with data from a CH-47A crash impact test. An improved version of KRASH developed at Boeing Vertol was used for this purpose. This report contains details of the development of a CH-47A KRASH structural model, the pretest predictions, and the description of the CH-47A crash impact test data. Post-test improvements to the structural model to improve correlation with test data are discussed. Problems related to the computer program which arose during the course of the simulation and correlation efforts are discussed in detail. It is concluded that the use of KRASH for simulation of the dynamic response of helicopters to crash impact is currently limited. It is recommended that KRASH be improved in order for it to be useful as a design tool for the analysis of structural crashworthiness. (Author)