Aircraft structures

Aircraft structures

Aircraft structures are the structures, large and small, common or uncommon, that make up aircraft of any sort, size, or purpose. Purpose Structures fulfill a purpose in an aircraft, either simple or complex. Each sub-structure interfaces with the other structures in the same aircraft. Ultimately parts work together to accomplish safe flight. Classification General Aircraft structures may be classified by any of the following general categories: purpose integration with other structures and the aircraft as a whole history of the structure problems and successes of the structure value to the particular aircraft cost supply manufacturer wear characteristics safety quotient popularity specified use hazards relative to the structure inspection challenges maintenance replacement protocol. By type of wing Aircraft structures may be classified by the type of wing employed, as this dictates much of the supporting structure: Single planar winged Non-planar winged Biplane Triplane Ring winged Spanwise rotary winged Vertical rotary axis winged Morphable wing Flexible winged Rigid winged Flying wing parachutes and dogues Lifting bodies Winged man system Reentry-from-space vehicle Classic aircraft structures Classic aircraft components Wing (skins, spars, ribs) Fuselage (skin, bulkhead, frame, heavy frames and bulkheads) Control system Thrust system Empennage Stringers or longerons Spars Landing system Launching system Accessory structures on board The interaction of these structural components with mechanical systems may include: Undercarriage Ejection seat Powerplant The locations of major components and systems will optimise the aircraft's weight and strength. For example in most modern military jets the heavy frame in the fuselage that supports the nose undercarriage also has the ejector seat rail mounted to it. In this way the frame has multiple functions, thus reducing weight and cost. The location of structural components is also important with respect to the aircraft's center-of-gravity, which has great effect on the aircraft's stability. The materials and manufacturing techniques of the structural components are optimized during the design process. For example, stringers may be manufactured by bending sheet metal or by extrusion to optimize weight and cost, whereas a robust frame that supports a heavy component such as an engine may be a cast or machined to optimize strength