At this stage, the company has already implemented a Digital Mock Up (DMU) of the BEAIR. The modelling tools used are advanced Computer Aided Modeling (CAD) systems.

The development of the demonstrator has aimed at modeling and simulating the interaction between the passenger and the BEAIR, both in static and in dynamic condition (i.e. simulation of flight loads on the manikin used to model the passenger).

A preliminary cushion shape and material has been selected, then modeled on the CAE system and finally integrated with the finite element model of the BEAIR, as it is possible to see in the captures aside and below.

The purpose of the simulations performed was to validate and identify a preliminary shape of the cushion assy, playing this latter an important role in fulfilling the end user comfort requirements, particularly for what concerns the bedsores generation problem.

The results have provided an initial evaluation of the passenger comfort, which will be further investigated during the technical feasibility study. The parameters observed demonstrate that the results achieved through the above-mentioned tools are very close to those attainable through lab test. Thus, the virtual mock-up is at TRL6.