SEDL / STP / STP842-EB / STP32608S

Air Force Damage Tolerance Design Philosophy

Rudd, JL
Aerospace engineer, Air Force Wright Aeronautical Laboratories, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH

Pages: 8    Published: Jan 1984

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Abstract

This paper summarizes the U.S. Air Force damage tolerance design requirements for metallic airframes. The requirements are a function of the design concept and degree of inspectability of the airframe. Both analytical and experimental requirements are presented. The requirements include the initial damage size, shape, and location, which must be assumed in design. Also presented are the subsequent crack growth and residual strength requirements, which must be satisfied because of the presence of this initial damage.