Structural Analyses of GLARE-GFRP Transition for Integrated VHF Antenna on a Fuselage Panel

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to describe the numerical simulation of the transition zones in the multifunctional fuselage panel design to integrate a VHF (Very High Frequency) antenna. The panel is made of GLARE (Glass Laminate Aluminium Reinforced Epoxy) with a central window of GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer). The structural analyses of the transition GLARE/GFRP is presented along with its experimental validation. The numerical simulations showed a very high level of correlation with the experimental tests, both in the longitudinal load vs displacement curves and deformations captured with strain gauges and DIC (Digital Image Correlations).

Full document