Crashworthiness Analysis of CFRP Composite Stanchion Assemblies of Single‐Frame Sections in Civil Aircraft Sub‐Cargo Structure

ABSTRACT To investigate how the inclination angle between the stanchion and the cargo floor beam affects the specific energy absorption (SEA) of sub‐cargo structures under vertical crash loading, vertical drop impact tests are conducted on carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite stanchion assemblies in single‐frame sub‐cargo sections at three angles (78°, 85°, and 90°). Crash numerical models based on the continuum damage mechanics (CDM) are developed using the PAM‐CRASH solver. The simulations accurately reproduce the double‐peak contact force‐time response observed in the experiments, as well as the velocity evolution and failure modes, thereby confirming the reliability of the models. Using the validated approach, additional simulations are performed for five inclination angles between 73° and 90° (73°, 75°, 80°, 83°, and 88°), enabling systematic evaluation of their effects on failure behavior, dynamic response, and SEA . The results show that SEA increases with inclination angle following a sigmoidal trend, characterized by gradual initial growth, a rapid rise, and eventual saturation. The fitted relationship between SEA and inclination angle provides predictive guidance for crashworthiness design of sub‐cargo structures in civil aircraft fuselages.