Modeling and Simulation of Wing Skin Structural Pitting Corrosion

Pitting corrosion (PC) significantly affects and reduces the structural integrity of aircraft as they age. This paper details a simulation method for large wing structure with PC damage. It is difficult for integral wing structure to make a corrosion test in the laboratory. The method of modeling and simulation for the wing structure with PC is provided. Firstly, the Finite Element Model of wing structure has been constructed according to a CATIA model of wing structure. Secondly, simulation model of wing structure with PC has been obtained via randomly deleting elements of finite element method. Finally, we discuss the maximum stress distribution of wing structure and mechanical properties of ten wing-fuselage connection joint under different degree of pitting corrosion for wing upper skin. The work in this paper can provide a method of integrated wing PC simulation in order to cut corrosion experiment cost and offer references of aircraft design and corrosion maintenance.