Experimental Investigation of Fluid-Structure Interaction Phenomena during Aircraft Ditching

This Paper presents some of the most significant results of extensive experimental campaigns performed with the aim of achieving a deeper understanding of the physical phenomena involved in the aircraft ditching. Testing activities were carried out at the National Research Council-Institute of Marine Engineering high-speed ditching facility, which enables quasi-full-scale impact conditions. Thick and thin specimens were tested, the former remaining in the purely elastic regime and the latter undergoing larger deformations, which are permanent in some cases. Based on the data of the tests on thick specimens, interesting hydrodynamics aspects as well as the role played by the impact conditions on pressure, loads, and strains are identified. Ventilation and/or cavitation conditions are found in some specific conditions during the impact of double-curvature specimens. Finally, the changes in the hydrodynamics and resulting loading caused by large out-of-plane deformation are discussed.