Bird strike resistance of a CFRP morphing leading edge

The implementation of morphing technologies into the leading edge a regional aircraft wing promises some benefits in terms of reduction of perceived noise on the ground as well as reduction of fuel consumption. In the design of a morphing leading edge made from fiber reinforced composites, two competing requirements need to be considered: compliance requirements allowing morphing of the composite skin and stiffness requirements ensuring bird strike resistance of the morphing leading edge. This article presents finite element simulations of the impact behavior of a 2 kg bird onto a CFRP morphing leading edge. It is shown, that the composite skin is always perforated. Therefore, an internal bird strike protection system was designed capable of deflecting the bird to ensure that the fuel tank is not impacted by the bird.