New Bird Model for Simulation of Bird Strike on Various Layups Used in Transparent Components of Rotorcrafts

Abstract

In this paper, a bird strike against a simple rectangular panel made of five different layups usually used in transparent parts of a rotorcraft is investigated. A new bird model is introduced and its results for impact on a transparent panel are compared with those of a traditional bird model. To create the new bird model, a real Mallard duck is initially scanned by a computed tomography scan imaging device. Five different transparent layups are studied: single-layer stretch acrylic, single-layer glass, two-wall cast acrylic, acrylic with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer, and glass with a PVB interlayer. For each case, the optimum thickness that does not allow any penetration is presented. Finally, it was found that using a PVB interlayer can increase the strength of the transparency component to a great extent. For cases with a PVB interlayer, using glass is recommended over acrylic; however, in cases without the interlayer using acrylic is strongly recommended.