Development Of A Multi-Scale Numerical Approach For The Crashworthiness Of Evtol Aircrafts

Abstract

Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles have drawn the interest of companies and researchers because of their potential application in Advanced Air Mobility. However, many challenges must be addressed, one of the most important being safety. This paper presents a numerical and experimental multi-scale approach, from the Li-Ion battery level up to the integration of the energy storage system within the airframe, aimed at assisting the early design phase of crashworthy eVTOL aircraft. Various activities will be proposed to demonstrate the general approach and its capabilities, supported by preliminary yet insightful results. Key findings include the use of dummy cells for safe abuse testing, assessment of local decelerations in modules during experiments, development of battery pack protection concepts including the possible use of Na-Ion structural battery, and evaluation of energy-absorbing systems' efficiency in alleviating loads on the vehicle frame.