Airframe Structures Flashcards

What type of stress acts perpendicular to the cross-section of a structural member and tends to pull it apart?

Answer: Tensile stress

Tensile stress acts perpendicular to a cross-section and tends to elongate or pull apart the material.

In a semi-monocoque fuselage, which structural members primarily carry bending loads along the fuselage length?

Answer: Longerons and stringers

Longerons and stringers run longitudinally and are the primary members resisting bending loads in a semi-monocoque structure.

What is the purpose of a "weep hole" in an aircraft wing structure?

Answer: To allow moisture drainage and prevent corrosion

Weep holes allow accumulated moisture to drain from structural cavities, preventing corrosion buildup.

When inspecting a composite structure for delamination, which non-destructive testing method uses sound wave reflections?

Answer: Ultrasonic inspection

Ultrasonic inspection uses high-frequency sound waves that reflect off internal defects like delamination in composite structures.

A wing rib that does NOT extend the full depth of the wing and is used to maintain airfoil shape between main ribs is called a:

Answer: False rib

A false rib (or nose rib/auxiliary rib) spans only the leading edge area and helps maintain airfoil contour between full-depth ribs.

Which aircraft skin fastening method creates the strongest and most permanent structural joint?

Answer: Rivets

Solid shank rivets, when properly installed, create a permanent high-strength structural joint widely used in aircraft construction.

What structural component transfers wing bending loads into the fuselage at the wing root?

Answer: Wing spar carry-through

The spar carry-through (or center section) bridges the two wing spars through the fuselage, transferring bending loads across the wing root.