Helicopter Crashworthy Seating

Crashworthy helicopter seats are designed to protect occupants during a hard landing. In fact, a crashworthy seat must absorb energy and stay attached to the structure, even under very high accelerations.

Development and analysis of crashworthy helicopter seats. Our team collaborated for 3D design project, FE model realization, static structural sizing. We projected the static test for validate the structural behauvior

From 3D model to test rig: crashworthy helicopter seats

On this programme the same team followed the seat from start to finish. First, we developed the 3D model in CATIA V5, then we built the FE model and finally we sized the structure for the static load cases in the specification.

In addition, we prepared the De Risk Test Plan, that is the plan for a preliminary test that checks design choices before official qualification. After the test we wrote the De Risk Test Report, comparing measurements with the analysis.

One team for the whole process

Working with a single partner reduces handovers, because the analyst already knows the 3D model and whoever plans the tests already knows the analysis results. As a result, changes found during testing go straight back into the design, without time lost in handovers between suppliers. A seat is a small component, but it brings together almost every problem of a structural project. That is why it is a good test of method. Crashworthy helicopter seats show this advantage better than any other project.

The work covers four of our services: 3D design, FEM simulation, structural sizing and testing. In addition, the work goes on after the test, because the correlated model stays useful for seat variants. If you are developing a similar component, tell us about it from the contact page.