A NASA program to improve aircraft safety is discussed in terms of three areas of concentration: unexpected turbulence encounters, fire, and crash impact. To provide warning of clear air turbulence (CAT) so that the pilot can take evasive action, a laser Doppler system is described, which functions by measuring backscatter frequency radiation occurring in aerosols ahead of the aircraft. The system was found able to detect CAT, but at shorter than optimal ranges (10 km as opposed to 32 km). Fire safety has focused on both the early detection of fires through improved sensing methods, and on the development of fire-retardant materials, i.e., intumescent char-forming protective coatings. Crashworthiness is discussed in terms of the development of a survivable crash envelope and improved seat and restraint systems. To evaluate an aircraft for crashworthiness, finite-element computer programs are currently being developed which analyze both aircraft structural configurations and the intrinsic strength of aircraft materials.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    NASA technical advances in aircraft occupant safety


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    Congress and Exposition ; 1978 ; Detroit, MI


    Publication date :

    1978-02-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English






    NASA Technical Advances in Aircraft Occupant Safety

    Enders,J.H. / NASA,US | Automotive engineering | 1978


    NASA TECHNICAL ADVANCES IN AIRCRAFT OCCUPANT SAFETY

    ENDERS, JOHN H. | SAE Technical Papers | 1978


    AIRCRAFT OCCUPANT SEAT FOR AIRCRAFT OCCUPANT HEALTH, SAFETY, AND COMFORT MANAGEMENT

    SHARMA ANURAG | European Patent Office | 2017

    Free access