Numerical analysis of arresting performance of engineered materials arresting system with multi-layer foamed concrete

Abstract

Engineered Material Arresting System (EMAS) installed at runway ends effectively mitigates aircraft overruns, but optimisation of layer number and foamed concrete density is needed to meet varying performance requirements. This study uses finite element analysis to evaluate the effects of layer configuration and density on EMAS performance. Three representative aircraft were considered-B737 (56.3 tons), B707 (112.1 tons), and B747 (255.8 tons)-across approach speeds of 30–54 m s−1. Results indicate that, double- and triple-layer EMAS outperform single-layer systems. For a B747 at 36 m/s, the stopping distance was reduced by 17.5% with a double-layer design (180/200 kg m−3) and by 27.8% with a triple-layer design (180/200/220 kg m−3), compared with a single-layer system of equal thickness. An optimised three-layer configuration is therefore recommended for practical implementation. To strengthen these findings, future work will involve experimental crushing tests on multilayer foamed concrete to validate the simulation results.