Aircraft Structures

Chapter 22- Fuselages

Fuselage Structures

2
Stresses in an Aircraft Fuselage

1. Aircraft fuselages consist of thin sheets of material stiffened by large

numbers of longitudinal stringers together with transverse frames.

2. The distance between stringers is usually small, so that the variation in

shear flow in the connection panel is small. Therefore, it is reasonable to

assume that the shear flow is constant between adjacent stringers, so that

the analysis simplifies to the analysis of an idealized section in which the

stingers/booms carry all the direct stresses while the skin is effective only in

shear.

3
Stresses in an Aircraft Fuselage

Bending Shear
Moments Forces

Torsion
4
22.1 Bending
We will use this equation in this chapter to calculate the direct stress in each
boom.

r
Remembe
this from   M y I xx − M x I xy M x I yy − M y I xy
6! σ z= x+ y
chapter 1 I xx I yy − I
2
xy I xx I yy − I
2
xy

To find the broom area:

r
Remembe   tD b σ2
this from B 1=
6
(2+
σ1
)
0!
chapter 2

5
Example 22.1
The fuselage of a light passenger carrying aircraft has the circular
cross-section shown below. The cross-sectional area of each stringer is
100 mm2and the vertical distance given in the figure are to the mid-
line of the sectional wall at the corresponding stringer position. If the
fuselage is subjected to a bending moment of 200 kN.m applied in the
vertical plane of symmetry, at this section, calculate the direct stress
distribution.

6
Example 22.1 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Boom Areas

Moment of Inertia (I)

Calculate the stresses

7
Example 22.1 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Boom Areas

From Symmetry:   tD b σ2
B 1= (2+ )
 B1 =B9 6 σ1
 B2 =B8 =B10 =B16
 B3 =B7 =B11 =B15
 B4 =B6 =B12 =B14
 B5 =B13

The stringers 5 and 13 lie on the neutral axis of the section and are therefore
unstressed, the calculation of boom areas B5 and B13 does not then rise. 8
Example 22.1 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Moment of Inertia (I)

Ixx =2×216.6×381.02+4×216.6×352.02+4×216.6×269.52+4×216.7×145.82
=2.52×108mm4

9
Example 22.1 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Calculate the stresses

10
22.2 Shear
We will use this equation to find the shear flow distribution.

e m e m b e r
R
this from
ha pte r 20!
c

Where   =0, hence:

11
Example 22.2
The fuselage of Example 21.1 is subjected to a vertical shear load of
100 kN applied at a distance of 150mm from the vertical axis of
symmetry as shown, for the idealized section, in Fig.22.2. Calculate
the distribution of shear flow in the section.

12
Example 22.2 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Taking moments
Shear flow
Takingsome
Shear
about moments
flow
distribution
about some
center
distribution
center

Fi
nd
in
g
th
e
sh
ea
r
str
es
s
di
str
ib
uti
on

13
Example 22.2 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Shear flow distribution

Open section shear flow qb

14
Example 22.2 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Taking moments
about some center

r
Remembe
this from
7!
chapter 1

15
Example 22.2 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Taking moments
about some center

A= Π x 381.02= 4.56 x105 mm2

16
Example 22.2 (Cont.)
How to solve?
Finding the shear
stress distribution

17
22.3 Torsion
We will use this equation to find the shear stress distribution produce by a pure
torque.

r
Remembe
this from
8!
chapter 1

Lets apply it to example 22.2:

18
22.3 Torsion

From symmetry we get:

19
22.3 Torsion

20
22.4 Cut-Outs in Fuselages
Loads are
redistributed in the
vicinity of the cut-off.

Reinforceme Increased
Rigid Frames
nt Weight

21
22.4 Cut-Outs in Fuselages

1. In practice , it is necessary to provide openings in these closed stiffened

shells for, for example, doors, cockpits, bomb bays and windows in

passenger cabins.

2. These openings or “cut-outs” produce discontinuities in the otherwise

continuous shell structure, so that loads are redistributed in the vicinity of

the cut-out, thereby affecting loads in the skin, stringers and frames.
22.4 Cut-Outs in Fuselages

3. Frequently, these regions must be heavily reinforced, resulting in

unavoidable weight increases. In some cases, door openings in passenger

aircraft, it is not possible to provide rigid fuselage frames on each side of the

opening, because the cabin space must not be restricted. In such situations, a

rigid frame is placed around the opening to resist shear loads and to transmit

loads from one side of the opening to the other.

22.4 Cut-Outs in Fuselages
To find the effect of cut-outs for windows:

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 p i s O v e r !
The T r i 
e n j o y e d i t
yo u h a v e
Ho p e
25