ENGINEERING AND LABORATORY TESTS OF M8AL-A STEEL LANDING MAT.
Abstract
The report describes an investigation of modified M8Al mat (designated as M8Al-A). M8Al-A mat panels contain a 1/8-in. joggle along the rolled-box edge to eliminate excessive tire damage for aircraft operating on this mat. Traffic tests, skid-resistance and tire-wear tests, and laboratory strength tests were conducted. Comparisons were made of M8Al-A mat, T10 mat, and M8Al mat made by various manufacturers. The effect of the joggle on performance of the M8Al-A mat was not fully determined due to the premature and unexpected failure of the mat at the locking lugs opposite bayonet 15. The performance of the T10 mat was satisfactory since no failures occurred. There was no significant difference in performance of the M8Al-A and M8Al mats (i.e. mats with and without the joggle, respectively). No appreciable tire damage occurred in any of the skid tests; tire wear was reasonably uniform for all three mats tested and was not considered excessive. No significant difficulty was encountered in an interchangeability test on the three types of mat; however, it would be desirable not to place M8Al and M8Al-A mats in the same runs. The M8Al-A sheet and end-connector bar material met the specification requirements. Based on these findings, it is believed that modification of the rolled-box edge to incorporate a joggle is not warranted. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0830088
Entities
People
- Dewey W. White Jr.