Theoretical analysis and multi-objective optimisation for gradient engineering material arresting system

Aircrafts may overrun the runway during take-off and landing, leading to a catastrophe involving aircraft damage and even loss of life. In order to protect aircrafts and crews from casualty, a gradient engineering material arresting system (GEMAS) was developed to arrest the overrun aircrafts with different size in comparatively short distances securely. This paper presented an analytical model to predict the crushing resistance exerted on the aircraft landing gear, and the corresponding numerical model was established to validate the accuracy of the analytical results. Response surface model for design of experiment (DOE) as well as numerical simulations was employed to conduct multi-objective optimisation to seek for the optimal design parameters for GEMAS. Besides, parametric investigations were performed to discuss the effects of initial height, dipping angle and material strength on the design response (drag ratio and penetration depth) for the GEMAS according to the DOE results. Finally, multi-objective optimisation design was engaged in improving the arresting system by means of a desirability approach, aiming at obtaining the specific drag ratio and the minimum penetration simultaneously.