Ribs

 These follow and maintain the Aerodynamic shape.

 They also act with the skin in resisting the distributed Aerodynamic pressure loads
 Ribs increase the column buckling stress of the longitudinal stiffeners by providing end restraint
and establishing/reducing their column length(in a similar manner they increase the plate buckling
stress of the skin panels In the outer portion of the wing.
 Ribs act primarily as formers for the airfoil shape since it is a low load carrying section.
 Ribs are required to absorb and transmit large concentrated applied loads, such as-
 from the undercarriage,
 engine thrust and
 fuselage attachment point reactions.
 In the middle of the wing, ribs support-
 hinge reactions from aileron,
 flaps and other control surfaces

Functions of Skin or Cover

 It transmits the aerodynamic forces to the longitudinal and transverse supportingmembers by plate
and membrane action.
 It develops shearing stresses which react to the applied torsional moments and shear forces.
 It acts with the longitudinal members in resisting the applied bending and axial loads.
 It acts with longitudinal in resisting the axial load with the transverse members in reacting the
hoop or circumferential load when the structure is pressurized.
 In addition to theses, it provides an aerodynamic surface and cover for the contents of the vehicle.

Functions of Longitudinals, Stringers or Stiffenners (Longerons)

 They resist bending and axial loads along with the skin.
 They divide the skin into small panels and thereby increase its buckling and failure stresses.
 They act with the skin in resisting axial loads caused by pressurization.
 The spar caps in an aerodynamic surface perform functions 1 and 2.

Functions of Frames, Rings (Bulkheads)

 Maintain cross section shape.
 Distribute concentrated loads into the structure and redistribute stresses around structural
discontinuities.
 Establish the column length and provide end restraint for the longitudinal to increase their column
buckling stress.
 Provide edge restraint for the skin panels and thereby increase the plate buckling stress of these
elements.
 Act with the skin in resisting the circumferential loads due to pressurization.