Analysis and Ballistic Testing of Three Similar Rotorcraft Structures Against the 23MM HEI Threat

This paper presents the modeling development, implicit and explicit analysis, ballistic testing, and experimental comparison for three distinct structural concepts for aircraft composite structure: conventional honeycomb sandwich structure, conventional skin stringer structure, and a large cell graphite honeycomb sandwich structure. The authors have exploited the capabilities of the analytical hydrocode, LS-Dyna®, to provide a robust tool set for advanced ballistic analysis. This paper will present comparisons between simulation results and experimental data in terms of strain survey results, deformation, and post-damage inspection, as well as high speed photography.