Global - Local Modelling

Part of the building block approach as defined by Mil-Hdbk-17 includes the design and conducting of increasingly more complicated tests that evaluate more complicated loading situations with the possibility of failure from several potential failure modes. These experimental data may be compared to analytical predictions and adjust analysis models as necessary. The principal method of modelling the structure and hence designing the more complicated tests is through the use of global/local finite element analysis. This technique allows the complex geometry and loading of the aircraft structure to be modelled realistically in the global model and the small damage events such as cracks and delaminations to be modelled in the local model. The code of choice for MERL in this form of modelling is ABAQUS.