I have been doing some engineering analysis (stressing) of the Europa structure.
The relative lack of crashworthiness caused by the design of the cockpit A
pillars has been noted. As long ago as 1999 the Flyer Europa MOD list included
CF reinforcement of this area.
Stiffening the A pillar itself will help somewhat, by increasing the collapsing
load. But the reinforcement must run down past the waist band. Thereafter it
can be tapered off to leave just normal structure.
Making this change is all good structurally. I specific 8 plies of CF UD with
2 x plies of BID laid over. But the wiring loom needs to be moved lower to
avoid
having to lay multiple cables over the resulting bump.
The T shaped roof bar is sUrprisingly strong as standard. Some additional plies
are needed at the joint with the reinforced A pillar to ensure a hinge type
failure does not occur.
My work continues - to investigate the occupant kinematics. This includes
recording
HIC from impacts with the panel and supporting structure. When l get the
time l will look at the influence of the seatbelt anchorage positions vs HIC
and occupant internal injury levels.
My ultimate aim is to develop a Survivability Index, derived from a standardised
test that can be applied during Certification (or design approval for Annex
aircraft). In theory this test could be simulated but depends very much upon
the methodology adopted.
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John Wighton
Europa XS trigear G-IPOD
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