Combined Test and Analysis Approach to Develop Energy Absorbing Systems for eVTOL Aircraft

Researchers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have developed novel energy absorbing (EA) components as example technologies which aim to provide insights into methods and techniques for improving occupant safety within electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles. An EA component design approach was matured. This design approach utilizes a combination of test and analysis methods to generate and refine EA component designs and to verify their capability from sub-scale to full-scale integration within representative vehicle structures. Through these efforts, lightweight seat and subfloor EA technologies were developed and their capability to improve occupant safety in relevant loading environments were demonstrated. The developed methodology, EA component designs, and demonstrated capability are reported within this TM with the goal of improving occupant protection design within future eVTOL vehicles.