Study and Application of Decompression Loads for Aircraft Interiors

Decompression loads play an important role on aircraft interior design and affect aircraft safety. This paper aims at decompression loads resulting from a sudden release of pressure through an opening in compartment with interiors installed. First of all, a calculation model for interior decompression loads was proposed according to the airworthiness requirements and characteristics of air flow. Based on this model, the magnitude and direction of interior decompression loads for a certain aircraft compartment was computed and concluded. Simultaneously its influence on aircraft safety was also analyzed and more critical case was found. The analysis conclusion could be confirmed by checking recording data from 3U8633, an airline with windshield rupture during its flight. Finally, in order to limit the decompression loads at a low level during aircraft interior design, an appropriate total gap was found, which lay foundation on following detailed interior design, including interior gap size definition and gap style design. Accordingly, the aircraft safety was enhanced.