Simulation of Bird Strikes on Turbine Engines

Abstract

External components of aeroengines, such as casings and intake blades, must be capable of withstanding bird strikes. Various methods of computer simulation that have been developed are presented in summary. The most accurate and meaningful results are obtained with finite element programs specifically developed for impact events. Bird and component are divided into finite elements. The component model must allow for great elastic-plastic deformation, where the yield strength is a function of the strain rate. A model shape and a homogeneous substitute material must be defined for the complicated and nonhomogeneous structure of the bird. Bird strikes on a rotating spinner and an intake blade are investigated with the finite element program DYNA3D.