Abstract

Finite Element Analysis Validation Requirements and Methods

The great advancements in the field of numerical analysis enable engineers to solve complex problems using finite element analysis. These advancements aid in the investigation of responses of physical problems to their environment.  Using these tools, the engineering communities would like to depend more extensively on analytical approaches to investigate the subjects of their studies, where testing was traditionally used for that purpose. However, the reliability of these solutions is always a major concern. Certain regulatory requirements allow analytical approaches to be used for compliance purposes as an option to testing.  In all cases these regulations require validation of the analysis before the results can be accepted.  The current presentation identifies the federal aviation regulations that allow analysis as a means of compliance for the structural problems and provides acceptable means of validation of this analysis.  This paper provides a brief introduction to finite element analysis as an analytical tool with steps and recommendations for building a compliant numerical model.

About the Speaker

Dr. Patrick Safarian, FAA  

Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Senior Technical  Specialist, FAA

Since 1997 Dr. Safarian has been involved in ensuring safety of the existing fleet and certification of new aircrafts such as 747-8, 787 and 777-9 and 737MAX. His involvement also includes rulemaking activities plus preparation of the advisory and training material. Prior to FAA he was at the Boeing Company for eleven years.  During that time he contributed to development of methods and allowables for fatigue and fracture mechanics standards for stress engineers, performed analytical and numerical stress analyses of highly complex structures, including failure analysis in support of in-service problems and accident investigations.

Patrick received his BSME from Northrop University in 1983, MSME from California State University, Fullerton, in 1985, and completed his PhD work in Mechanical Engineering at University of California, Davis, in 1987.  In June 2004 he completed his Doctorate in Theological study at Bakke Graduate School.  Patrick has taught damage tolerance and advance engineering mathematics courses while at Boeing for ten years.  He has been teaching post-graduate engineering courses in the fields of fatigue, fracture mechanics and finite element analysis in University of Washington and Central Washington University since 1998.  Patrick is married to Annette and they have two children Natasha and Christopher.

Dr. Safarian interacts with the industry experts in developing and application of the latest simulations tools and provides key guidance to aviation industry.