Investigation and Analysis Development of Early Life Aircraft Structural Failures

Abstract : An investigation and analysis of aircraft structural failures was conducted to assess the condition surrounding early life failures and initiate improved methods for the structural analysis of such failure problems. The primary objective was to identify critical structural component areas and define an analysis approach which would consider the useful life of a flawed or damaged structure. Initial program efforts involved the survey of Government and Industry organizations concerned with engineering and maintenance of present operational aircraft. Failure data was gathered on airframe structures, landing gear components and highly stressed aircraft sub-components which experienced operational failures. The data gathered was tabulated under various categories related to component description, failure circumstances, stress history and environmental influences in an attempt to identify significant or contributing variables. Results of these failure correlations are presented in tabular form.