Image to right: These images show a drop test of a new, energy-absorbing composite material that might be used as part of a landing system for the Orion crew capsule. The post-test image shows that the structure supported by the new material has not been visibly affected. Image credit: NASA Langley Research Center

This seminar addresses the history and successful progress in predicting and improving the crash safety characteristics of vehicles, with particular emphasis on rotary wing aircraft and composite structures. The presentation highlights the challenges remaining in completing the steps for crash certification by analysis, including topics such as model validation procedures, uncertainty in test data and analysis models, probabilistic techniques for test-analysis correlation, verification of the mathematical formulation, and establishment of appropriate qualification requirements. Full-scale experimental test data and correlation with state-of-the-art dynamic impact analysis are presented. The current research topic of a new composite, deployable, energy-absorbing material is presented, and results recently obtained in an August 2006 vertical drop test are included. The composite energy-absorbing material concept is being considered in the design options for the Orion landing system.

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