Abstract:
This report presents a detailed analysis of the aircraft impacts into the World Trade Center (WTC) Towers as part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigation into the WTC disaster. The primary objective of this study was to estimate the structural damage caused by the Boeing 767 aircraft impacts, including damage to exterior walls, core columns, and floor systems, as well as to analyze the dispersion of aircraft fuel and debris within the towers. The study utilized advanced finite element modeling to simulate the impact forces and structural response at various levels, including component, subassembly, and global scales. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate the influence of key parameters on damage estimations. The aircraft models incorporated detailed structural representations based on technical documentation, while the tower models were constructed using original engineering drawings. The results provided insights into the initial conditions that led to fire spread and subsequent collapse initiation. Comparisons with photographic and video evidence validated the findings, contributing to a deeper understanding of high-impact structural failures. This research informs future advancements in structural resilience and impact-resistant building design.
