ProDeCompoS: Computer-aided probabilistic design of damage tolerant composite aircraft structures

The only reasonable way to treat on the same basis all the conditions and uncertainties participating in the design of damage tolerant composite aircraft structures is to use the probability-based approach. Therefore, the methodology has been developed in TsAGI, Russia to assess the probability of structural failure (POSF) and associated risk taking into account the random mechanical loads, random temperature-humidity conditions, conditions causing damages, as well as structural strength variations due to intrinsic strength scatter, manufacturing defects, operational damages, temperature-humidity conditions. The methodology enables user to establish the relationship between static/residual strength safety margins, production duality control requirements, in-service inspection resolution and criteria, and POSF. This makes possible to estimate the cost associated with the mentioned factors and to use this cost as overall criterion. The methodology has been programmed into ProDeCompoS software. The software is designed as a tool for research institutes, for engineering divisions in Design Bureaus, and for certification bodies.