Vertical Drop Test of a Narrow-Body Fuselage Section with Overhead Stowage Bins and Auxiliary Fuel Tank System on Board.

Abstract

Abstract : In October 1993 the FAA Technical Center conducted a vertical drop test of a narrow- body fuselage section. This test was structured to determine the impact response characteristics of some typical items of mass found aboard transport airplanes to assess the adequacy of the design standards and regulatory requirements for those components. A primary objective of this test was to determine the dynamic response characteristics of the onboard overhead stowage bins and auxiliary fuel tank system, as well as the fuselage section itself, when subjected to a potentially survivable impact. The dynamic impact environment and the resultant response of the onboard overhead stowage bins and auxiliary fuel tank system were characterized. The structural support reactions for those onboard items of mass were measured and compared to predicted values which were based on static analyses and tests. The test was intentionally structured to impose a dynamic load condition in excess of the current design and certification requirements for the onboard items of mass so that the dynamic fracture loads and modes of fracture for those components could also be determined and evaluated.