Third M.I.T. Conference on Computational Fluid and Solid Mechanics June 14–17, 2005  

A probabilistic approach to improve the static performance of a composite wing

R. d'Ippolitoa,*, S. Dondersb, N. Tzannetakisa, J. Van de Peera, H. Van der Auweraerb
aNoesis Solutions, Interleuvenlaan 68, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium  bLMS International, Interleuvenlaan 68, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium

  Full Text
ABSTRACT
Composite materials are being used more and more in the aerospace industry, to reduce aircraft weight while maintaining or even improving strength and stiffness. Accurate design predictions and improved reliability can only be obtained when inherent variability is included in the numerical modeling process. This paper outlines several reliability analysis methods, and demonstrates their use in the aerospace industry. In particular, the reliability of a composite wing structure with stochastic material properties is assessed.

Keywords:  Composite material; Aerospace; Wing design; Variability; Reliability analysis; FORM

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +32 (16) 38 43 49; Fax: +32 (16) 38 45 05; E-mail: roberto.dippolito@noesis.be