How can you model bird strikes to improve aircraft safety?

I agree with all my collegues who advocate FEM and other analytical methods. However, I would like to add two aspects from my perspective: a) real testing (as done already today based on regulatory requirements is still necessary. Whilst its primary purpose is to adhere to the certification requirements published by FAA and EASA, it is also a viable source of validation data for all the numercial efforts and (its progress). b) from an operational point of view, it is still the best idea to avoid or at least reduce the risk of bird strikes. Measures on the ground to chase off birds in the airport perimeter is still the safest way to "manage" the risk associated with bird strikes.

One of the most common and powerful techniques to model bird strikes is the finite element method (FEM). FEM is a numerical method that divides a complex structure into smaller elements and solves the equations of motion and stress for each element. FEM can capture the nonlinear and dynamic behavior of the bird and the aircraft, as well as the contact and damage effects. FEM requires a lot of computational resources and time, so it is often used for detailed analysis of critical parts, such as the windshield, the engine, or the wing. Another technique that is gaining popularity for bird strike modeling is smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH)

Imagine modeling bird strikes as a symphony of forces. The Finite Element Method (FEM) becomes the conductor, breaking down the impact into virtual notes. Each bird, a transient soloist, meets the aircraft structure as the grand stage. FEM orchestrates this collision in a digital realm, simulating intricate interactions—feathers meeting metal. Like musical vibrations, FEM deciphers stress patterns, predicting how the aircraft's structural melody responds. It's a computational ballet where the choreography of forces and materials ensures the aircraft dances through potential strikes unscathed, transforming the science of safety into a harmonious composition.

The Finite Element Method (FEM) stands out as a robust tool for modeling bird strikes due to its ability to decompose complex structures into more manageable elements and solve precise equations for each of these elements. Although it demands computational resources and time, its capability to capture the dynamic and nonlinear behavior of both the bird and the aircraft, along with contact and damage effects, makes it a relevant resource for the detailed analysis of critical aircraft components. In the future, we may witness advancements in computational optimization techniques enabling a more efficient utilization of FEM in these applications.

When it comes to ensuring aircraft safety, employing the Finite Element Method for bird strike testing is crucial. This method allows to simulate and analyze the impact of bird strikes on aircraft structures. By leveraging this advanced testing technique, we can design and reinforce aircraft components to withstand such encounters, ensuring passenger safety while minimizing damage and environmental impact.

By focusing the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SHP) analysis on the impact that a bird strike can cause on an aero-engine, a mesh model could be obtained to simulate a bird strike on the fan blades of an aero-engine. The simulations could give us the result of studies on the effects of the impact and bearing parameters including bird impact location, bird impact orientation, initial bird velocity, fan rotational speeds, stiffness of the bearing, and the damping of the bearing on the bird impact to aero-engine fan blade can be studied and discussed. The results could show that both the impact location and bird orientation have significant effects on the bird strike results.

With my experience, I will utilize Particle-Based and Spatial Discretization of the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method to model bird strikes and improve aircraft safety by comprehensively analyzing the impact dynamics and structural response of aircraft components during bird strike events. Using SPH, I will simulate the behavior of the bird and its interaction with the aircraft structure upon impact. By incorporating realistic bird characteristics such as size, mass, and flight trajectory, we can accurately predict the location and severity of damage to critical aircraft components, including the wings, fuselage, and engines.

Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is akin to turning fluid dynamics into a cosmic dance. Imagine fluids as a constellation of particles, each representing a droplet or element. SPH, the celestial choreographer, smoothly blends these particles, creating a fluidic ballet in the digital cosmos. The fluid's narrative unfolds seamlessly as particles interact, guided by computational forces. Unlike grid-based methods, SPH adapts dynamically, portraying fluid phenomena with cosmic fluidity. It's a virtual hydrodynamic ballet where particles pirouette and flow, mirroring the elegance of real-world fluid dynamics with unparalleled computational grace.

Apply Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) to model bird strikes. Represent the bird as interacting particles using a smoothing function. Account for large deformations and fragmentation, mimicking fluid-like behavior. Exploit SPH's speed and flexibility for efficient simulations. Consider hybridizing SPH with FEM for improved accuracy and robustness in assessing aircraft safety against bird strikes.

Most of the performance characteristics can be calculated via FEA and CFD, in generally a satisfying ratio. However, the issues like bird strike include some uncertainities like shape, angle etc. Therefore, after the FEA and CFD calculations, the closest thing to real life is testing. ?n this case, we can point that the tests with the chickens (like you buy in a packagfrge from the super market). Some manufacturers fire the chickens with big air-guns towards to the windshields, fore fuselage, wings or the tail surfaces to understand how the airframe acts closely. In fact; the closest approach would be to conduct the tests with a pressurized body in an altitude chamber, at a flow rate that aircraft flies, to see the structure behaviour.

Experimental testing in aviation is the tangible rehearsal before the grand performance in the sky. It transforms theories into real-world symphonies. Aircraft components become the instruments, and the test environment, the stage. Engineers conduct meticulous experiments, pushing the boundaries of design and materials. Sensors act as musical notes, capturing every nuance. The data, a melodic score, is scrutinized for harmonies and dissonances. It's a pre-flight overture where every test is a stanza, contributing to the resilient and reliable composition that ensures the safety and efficacy of aviation endeavors.

Improve aerodynamics Reducing drag, noise, and fuel consumption can also reduce the likelihood of bird strikes. For example, winglets can reduce wingtip vortices that attract birds. Use avian radar data This can help predict bird activity and minimize the risk of bird strikes. Develop bird hazard management programs This includes monitoring bird populations and activities around airports, and adopting mitigation strategies like habitat management, bird deterrents, and air traffic control procedures. Use speed and flap settings that provide the best angle of climb Birds usually exhibit evasive behavior in response to an approaching aircraft. Scientists in China have developed an AI-driven system that uses lasers to reduce bird strikes.

One thing that I have found helpful in aviation is leveraging advanced Software Tools. They serve as digital co-pilots, streamlining complex tasks and enhancing efficiency. Actually, I disagree with the notion that software tools might replace human intuition entirely; they should complement, not substitute, pilot expertise. An example I've seen is the integration of Electronic Flight Bags, facilitating real-time data access for informed decision-making, a harmonious blend of technology and human skill, ensuring safer and smarter flights.

To conduct accurate bird strike simulations and in-depth analysis, specialized software tools are indispensable. These tools are equipped to handle the intricate physics and geometry inherent in such simulations. They enable engineers to model and predict the effects of bird strikes on aircraft components, allowing for precise adjustments in design and materials to enhance aircraft safety and reduce environmental repercussions.

In ANSYS Fluent, model bird strikes for improved aircraft safety by employing the Eulerian multiphase model. Simulate the bird as a discrete phase interacting with the continuous airflow. Define bird properties, such as density and size, to capture realistic impact dynamics. Utilize the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to track bird-aircraft interaction and assess potential damage. Implement adaptive mesh refinement for accurate representation of deformation. Analyze stress, strain, and structural response to optimize aircraft safety against bird strikes.

Well, I think one way to improve aircraft safety by modeling bird strikes would be to use computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. CFD simulations can be used to model the airflow around an aircraft and help identify areas where birds are most likely to strike. The simulations can also be used to test different designs and determine which ones are less likely to cause damage in the event of a bird strike. In addition, the use of CFD can help identify potential problem areas on an aircraft before it is even built, saving time and money.

You analyze it as it will be tested on the ground setting, not in flight condition..why ? Because they are not the same (more conservative) and takes more load in ground test setup..once test is done and correlate to test as needed then extrapolate to general loading condition..

One thing that I have found helpful in aviation is adhering to Best Practices. They act as guiding stars, ensuring a consistent and safe flight journey. Actually, I disagree with deviating from established best practices; they are the result of lessons learned and industry wisdom. An example I've seen is the meticulous implementation of standardized checklists, creating a reliable framework for crews to follow, fostering a culture of precision and safety in every flight operation.

Years of experience have brought us to our best practices at the moment. If we were to deviate from them now, we would then need to start gathering all the bird strike data for analysis just to see if there has been an improvement. Maybe other methods can be used as a trail but, as a whole staying with best practise to local areas and certain airframes is the way forward.

Todas las ideas son geniales, yo consideraría la simulación y elementos finitos como una sola. Algo que faltaría agregar para completar un artículo excelente es que todas estas herramientas deben ir acompa?adas de un record. ?A que me refiero?, a un documento donde se registren las condiciones y variables que se están evaluando y en base a esto, registrar con qué condiciones se obtuvieron mejores resultados, y así ir modificando para obtener mejores resultados.

In the aviation panorama, consider weather intricacies as the atmospheric maestros. Airspace congestion, a dynamic dance of aircraft, requires meticulous choreography. Fuel efficiency emerges as a financial sonnet. Human factors, the unseen actors, influence the cockpit narrative. Embrace technological advancements as evolving plot twists. Regulatory compliance, the silent script, shapes operational boundaries. Acknowledge the unpredictability of aviation's theater, recognizing adaptability as an indispensable virtue. In this vast aviation tapestry, contemplating every nuanced element ensures a comprehensive and resilient approach to flight operations.

While drone impact studies are well-established, the regulatory framework for the evolving drone paradigm remains undeveloped. Writing my final thesis, which focused on simulating drone impacts on aircraft leading edges with novel perspectives, I found insufficient research on this topic. The slow progress in regulations presents obstacles to addressing this emerging aspect of aviation safety. ???? #AircraftSafety #DroneImpacts #Aeronautics

From my experience, it is particularly important in this industry to get inspiration from other industries. Rethink things and dare to do something. Especially rethinking something that already exists and simply redesign existing ones (even if a new registration is very complicated).

From my experience it is important to have a balanced mix of all available resources, meaning that computational analysis and simulation are important tools to help design an engine/airplane that can withstand a bird's impact. However, often - as described by other participants of this discussion - these analyses have limits. It is therefore important to consider real world data, such as from air operators that suffered birds strikes on line ops. Airframe/engines could be equipped with additional sensors to get more data. It's also important to view the thermodynamic aspect: bird debris can create hot spots in the core and therefore weaken the thermomechanical stability. Also adjustment of routes should be considered (bird migration).