Global analysis of the aircraft structure and its application to the preliminary design stage

Abstract

Modern aircraft safety depends on sufficient strength and rigidity of the structure. This must sustain with lightest possible weight, because any excess mass has not only detrimental effect upon the performance but also is significant economic factor. The most rational way to achieve the proper structure seems to be global analysis commenced in the preliminary design stage already. The analysis outcomes provide base for local analysis of the details led parallel. Any revisions more or less relevant can be made in the numerical model with very expensive prototype changes avoiding. The paper illustrates efficiency of the airframe structure global analysis. As examples the aircrafts still in service but designed without computer application were chosen. The finite elements numerical model of each was created and some critical in-flight load cases were simulated. The result obtained were a ground for evaluative opinion on the applied solutions and pointed zones with high stress gradients that could be redesigned eventually.

First Published Online: 14 Oct 2010

Keyword : aircraft, structure, finite element method, stress, global analysis