EQUIVALENT MATERIAL IDENTIFICATION FOR COMPLETE SIMILARITY IN SCALED-MODEL TESTS

The continuous proposal and analysis of innovative aircraft configurations require wider validation activity based on testing results. The arrangement of real-scale prototype for testing campaign is often not feasible due to economic reasons. As a consequence the experiments on scaled models are frequently performed applying similarity laws. The definition of specific material and its scaling rules for a complete similarity is required in several cases particularly when composites play a predominant role on the test response. So the design of a correct scaled-model including the right material selection becomes decisive. The introduction of TRACE parameter is proposed as a method orienting the designer for the right material selection in these situations. The method is presented in a specific case of a composite plate deflected by pressure. Non-dimensional deflection is determined as a function of load parameters and TRACE according to typical material classes definition. The procedure is extended to a typical drop-test equipment on water including structural flexibility. Potentiality of the method is clarified.