AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE

AIRCRAFT STRUCTURE

The primary function of structure is to transmit forces or loads. From the

structural engineers point of view is to do the minimum possible weight and
minimal cost. The optimum structure is one that does the best over-all job
of minimizing the undesirable qualities(weight, cost,repair, maintenance)

It may happen that the structure that has minimum weight will not be as
low in cost as one with only slightly heavier. In such cases the structural
engineer must make decision based on the function of the aircraft and other
criteria that have to be met.

Experience states that for every pound of structure which is ideally necessary
to carry the basic loads in an aircraft , there is about 50% more structural
weight added onto it which consist of doublers for cutouts,brackets ,splice
fittings plus extra materials due to due to fabricating technique, avoiding
corrosion and other considerations.
I.EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES

Equations of Equilibrium.
•One of the first steps in the design of a machine or structure is the
determination of the loads acting on each member.
•The loads acting on an airplane may occur in various landing or flight
conditions.
• For practically all members of the airplane structure the maximum
loads occur when the airplane is in an accelerated flight or landing condition
and the external loads are not in equilibrium.
•In the design of any member it is necessary to find all the forces
acting on the member, including inertia forces.
•the following equations of static equilibrium apply to any
isolated portion of the structure:
ΣFx, = 0
ΣFy, = 0
ΣM =0
Two-force Members.

When a structural member has force acting at only two points, these
forces must be equal and opposite, as shown in Fig. 1.2

Two-force members are frequently used in aircraft and other structures, since
simple tension or compression members are usually the lightest members for
transmitting forces. Structures made up entirely of two-force members are called
trusses and are frequently used in fuselages, engine mounts, and other aircraft
structures, as well as in bridge and building structures
Example 1. Find the forces acting at all joints of the structure.

PROBLEMS
1. A 5,000-lb airplane is in a steady glide with the flight path at an angle 0 below
the horizontal. The drag force in the direction of the flight path is 750 lb. Find the
lift force L normal to the flight path and the angle 0.
2. A jet-propelled airplane in steady flight has forces acting as shown. Find the
jet thrust T, lift L, and tail load P.
3. Find the forces at points A and B of the landing gear shown.
4. Find the forces V and M at the cut cross section of the beam
II. SPACE STRUCTURE

Equations of Equilibrium. Most structures must be designed to resist loads acting in

more than one plane. Consequently, the structures are actually space structures,
although in many cases the loads in each plane may be considered independently and
the structures analyzed by the methods of analysis for coplanar structures.
2. When landing on a carrier, a lO,OOO-lb airplane is given a deceleration of 3g (96.6 ft/sec) by
means of a cable engaged by an arresting hook, as shown in Fig. 3.4.
a. Find the tension in the cable, the wheel reaction R, and the distance e from the center of
gravity to the line of action of the cable.
b. Find the tension in the fuselage at vertical sections AA and BB if the portion of the airplane
forward of section AA weighs 3,000 lb and then portion aft of section BB weighs 1,000 lb.
c. Find the landing run if the landing speed is 80 ft/sec.
IV. MOMENT OF INERTIA
Problem:
Draw the shear , bending moment and axila load diagrams for
loaded structures below.