This research aims to develop, analyze, and evaluate a new type of structural element that will enhance the crashworthiness of naval vehicles by providing outstanding energy absorption with minimal weight. The structural element is an array of concentric fiber reinforced composite tubes with extension-twist coupling and ultra-high Poisson's ratio. The tubes are configured to crush or shear internal foam as a means of absorbing energy. This interim report includes technical ...
This paper presents recent developments on two innovative types of crashworthy cargo restraints for high mass rotorcraft payloads: textile-based devices and flexible matrix composite devices. Each type of device employs energy dissipation mechanisms to arrest the motion of payloads and limit the maximum load transmitted to tie-down points, thereby maintaining control over payload motion and improving crew survivability in the event of a crash or hard landing. The benefit of ...