Development of an eVTOL Finite Element Model for Structural Design, Validation, and Optimization, Focusing on Passive Safety

The increasing energy density of high voltage batteries and development progress in connectivity and digitization enables new vehicle concepts such as air taxis. The first services are announced for the Olympic games in 2024. Air taxis, also known as electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (eVTOL) or manned drones, raise novel challenges. Particularly safety is an essential factor for customers’ acceptance. This presentation highlights eVTOL’s crashworthiness challenges and introduces the development of an eVTOL finite element model with HyperWorks to research occupants’ safety and structural requirements.