Introduction to Aircraft Technology - Structuress Test Review

Define load factor

The ratio of total load supported by the airplane’s wing to the actual weight of the airplane and it’s contents.

What categories are aircraft type-certified?

Normal, Utility, or Acrobatic

Flight loads are divided into what two types?

Maneuvering loads and gust loads

What are the principle load-carrying structures of an airplane?

The fuselage, lifting surfaces, control surfaces, stabilizers, and landing gear

Difference between a Pratt truss and a Warren truss?

Pratt truss: longerons connected with vertical and lateral members called struts, diagonal members made of strong steel members that are rigid and can carry tension or compression; Warren truss: only diagonal members

Term for longitudinal (fore-and-aft) structural members of a semi monocoque fuselage?

Stringers

Vertical structural members in a monocoque fuselage?

Frames/ bulkheads. Maintain shape and contour

What carries the principle loads in a monocoque fuselage?

The external skin

What carries the principle loads in a semi monocoque fuselage?

Vertical and longitudinal members covered with a structural skin carries the principal loads (The skin, longerons, stingers, and bulkheads)

What is a fail-safe feature in aircraft construction?

When major structural fittings are made in 2 parts joined together via riveting or bonding (that can each support the full load of the aircraft)

Why are composite materials currently being used in aircraft structures?

High specific strength, excellent corrosion and fatigue resistance, and design flexibility

Primary structural design difference between cantilever wing and semi cantilever wing?

Cantilever is self-supporting, semi-cantilever uses struts and wires

Construction of typical stabilizer for a light airplane?

1+ primary members (spars) and ribs attached to spars. Same as wing, but smaller.

Purpose of vertical stabilizer?

To provide longitudinal (yaw) stability

Primary and secondary control surfaces for plane?

Primary: ailerons, rudder, elevator; Secondary: tabs, flaps, spoilers, and slats

Difference between conventional landing and tricycle landing gear?

Conventional: 2 main landing wheels front of center of gravity and a tail wheel. Tricycle: 2 main landing gears after center of gravity and a nose wheel.

What type of landing gear is commonly used on transport aircraft?

Retractable tricycle gear

What’s the purpose of elf engine nacelle?

Enclose the engine, streamline, and aerodynamics

What materials should firewalls be constructed of?

Fireproof; stainless steel, Inconel, or titanium

Purpose of engine cowling?

Aerodynamic flow of air into engine and provide access to parts of the engine

How ar the forces acting on a fixed-wing aircraft than those of a helicopter?

Fixed-wing: lift on wing, thrust centered. Helicopter: both on main rotor

Advantages of composite construction on helicopter?

they are resistant to fatigue, vibration and light-weight (Aerodynamic qualities, strength-to-weight ratio, better performance, lighter weight, and lower cost)

Types of helicopter landing gear?

Fixed or retractable

The control surface used to increase/decrease angle of attack is

Elevator

When teh skin of fuselage carries all the structural weight its

Monocoque

The structural design philosophy that allows for two different paths for operational loads is called

Fail-safe

The principle spanwise load-carrying member of a wing assembly

Spar

Wing’s chordwise component that transmit the air load during flight to the main spanwise wing component is

Rib

Longitudinal (Fore and aft) members of a semi monocoque fuselage are

Longerons are stringers

Cantilever wing?

No external bracing required

Aircraft structural units built from sheet metal are normally

Repairable, using approved methods

Monocoque fuselages derive their principle strength from

The actual covering, metal, plywood, or composites