Damage tolerance certification methodology for composite structures

An advanced certification methodology was developed for composite structures to include the effects of impact damage. The methodology has the capability to determine the reliability of impact damaged structure at any prescribed load level and impact threat, which may be specified in terms of impact energy or C-scan damage area. In addition, the methodology can also calculate the allowable impact threat level at a given applied load and specified reliability. The developed damage tolerance certification methodology was demonstrated on the F/A-18 inner wing. The results of the methodology demonstration showed that the F/A-18 inner wing has excellent damage tolerance capability.