Developing Credible Simulations for Aerospace Structures Using the VVUQ Framework

Aiming to reduce time-to-market and cost, the development and qualification or certification of aerospace structures increasingly rely on numerical simulations. To ensure these simulations are trustworthy for critical decisions and product qualification or certification, the credibility of computational models and simulations must be demonstrated. The Verification, Validation, and Uncertainty Quantification (VVUQ) framework provides a systematic approach to assess and ensure simulation credibility. This framework focuses on verifying simulations, managing uncertainties in both simulations and tests, and validating simulations against experimental data—ultimately enhancing confidence in the accuracy of numerical simulations.

The implementation of the framework is demonstrated through a case study of a composite launch vehicle structure within a European Space Agency technology program. This case study highlights how the VVUQ framework is used to develop credible simulations for accurately predicting the stiffness and failure load of the composite engine frame in the launch vehicle. The framework enabled a successful blind prediction of the full-scale engine frame test results, thereby validating its effectiveness in developing credible simulations. Ultimately, this methodology has the potential to significantly reduce or eliminate the need for costly full-scale testing in the qualification and certification of composite aerospace structures.