IGB has been working on Airbus A330-200 "First Class" configuration. The structure of the First Class is made of honeycomb panels and accommodates a folding table, footrest, sliding personal wall and several other compartments. The design includes provisions for TFT video screens, in-flight entertainment and electrical seat controllers.
The project consisted of structural and fire certification, but also integrating the data from the different sub-contractors and other suppliers for the EMI and FMEA certification. IGB has identified the critical loads and generated the structural test plan with this information, reducing the required tests to a minimum. The test loads are applied to the unit through whiffles connected to an hydraulic cylinder. The type and location of each whiffle is generated with IGB’s ModelSource tool.
The 9.0 G static test with Airbus witness.
Design changes
IGB has also made some detailed FEA calculations in order to certify modifications on the unit after it was installed in the aircraft, without extra static tests.
The modifications included the addition of access and inspection holes in a structural load carrying honeycomb panel. With the FEA detail calculations, IGB was able to show the effects of the modifications and advise on the required reinforcements. With the presented data, the customer could avoid extra static testing.