Numerical and Experimental Studies of Free-Fall Drop Impact Tests Using Strain Gauge, Piezoceramic, and Fiber Optic Sensors

The present work is framed inside a broader activity aimed at improving the accuracy of numerical models in predicting crashworthiness behavior flexible fuel tanks. This paper describes comprehensive experimental and study estimating impact force test article, consisting soft nylon bag filled with water, subjected to crash tests. In order understand improve response predictions, article drops freely from different heights, then strikes onto rigid plate which instrumented types sensors. Strain gauges, piezoceramic sensors, fiber optics are used measure strain induced by during experiments. To tune matrix measurement chain parameters, computations carried out predict dynamics drop through FE explicit analyses. Through analysis comparison results, relationship between energy correlated height established, overall entire assessed determine effectiveness such methodology full-scale on tank structure.