Fatigue Design of Fighters.
Abstract
In the past fatigue has not been a particularly important aspect in the design of fighter aircraft structures. Being required to sustain high maneuvering loads and being of relatively short life expectancy, these structures were generally designed primarily by static strength consideration. More recently, the greater complexity and cost of new weapon systems, together with the general economic pressures to control defence expenditure in the NATO countries, has required that the operational lives of fighters be increased bringing in its train an increased probability of fatigue defects and failures. Apart from the safety aspects, these fatigue defects can cause a reduction in the total state of readiness of the NATO air forces and, with the more sophisticated materials and structural forms now being employed, can result in expensive repair bills. Recognising this situation, the Structures and Materials Panel of AGARD have explored this area of concern and have proposed, wherever possible, generally accepted procedures for its solution. The AGARDograph on Fatigue Design of Fighters provides such guidelines for obtaining and monitoring adequate fatigue performance of fighter aircraft. It is commended to the structural designers, the procurement agencies, the safety agencies and the air forces in the expectation that the wider adoption of the procedures described will result in overall improvements in the cost-effectiveness of new fighter aircraft structures. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA051306
Entities
Organizations
- AGARD