1. Research on Frangible Connections and Structures
IESALC Gov’t Contracts Subcommittee
Joseph Breen
October 19, 2015

2. Joint Airfield Frangibility Study Group

3. FAA Research on Frangible Connections and Structures
FAA Airport Technology R&D
Select Engineering Services (SES) – Contractor
Applied Research Associates (ARA) – Subcontractor
- Task 1 Requirements Analysis
- Task 2 Finite Element Development
- Task 3 Test Setup Development
- Task 4 Test Plans / Procedures Development
- Task 5 Test Setup Fabrication
- Task 6 Dynamic Testing and Evaluation
- Task 7 Guidebook Development

4. FAA Frangibility Study
Scope
The overall objective of this research is to develop a better methodology for measuring and evaluating the frangibility characteristics of connections/structures intended for use on Airport Runway Safety Areas (RSAs) and Taxiway Safety Areas (TSAs).

5. FAA Frangibility Study
List of Airfield Structures for Simulation, Testing, and Analysis for this project:
FAA Approved Approach Lighting Systems
Frangible Configuration of the End Fire Glide Slopes (EFGS)
Mounting Configuration of Approach Lighting System located in the EMAS.

6. FAA Frangibility Study

7. FAA Frangibility Study

8. FAA Frangibility Study

9. FAA Frangibility Study

10. FAA Frangibility Study

11. FAA Frangibility Study

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17. FAA Frangibility Study
Full-Scale Impact Testing has been Completed on 3 Approach Lighting System Towers using Both Rigid Impactors and Soft Impactors Attached to Test Trolley.
Each Approach Lighting System Tower Type was Subjected to 3 Tests with Rigid Impactors (per FAA AC 150/ C) and 3 Tests with Soft Impactors using a Honeycomb Material Construction.
Impact Testing Simulating Aircraft Airborne Traveling at 87 mph.

18. FAA Frangibility Study
Full-Scale Impact Testing of End Fire Glide Slope Structures and Mounting Configuration of Approach Lighting System Towers in EMAS will be Conducted in November, 2015.
Impactors will Consist of Piper Navajo Aircraft Main Landing Gear Attached to Test Trolley.
Impact Testing Simulating Aircraft on the Ground Traveling at 31 mph.

19. FAA Frangibility Study

20. QUESTIONS?