11.2b Airframe Strutures - General Concepts Flashcards
1
Q
What is the primary function of frames (formers) in fuselage construction?
a) To provide fuel storage
b) To give the fuselage its cross-sectional shape and provide strong attachment points
c) To reduce aircraft weight
A
b) To give the fuselage its cross-sectional shape and provide strong attachment points
2
Q
What is the main issue with monocoque fuselage construction?
a) It is too lightweight
b) Maintaining strength while keeping weight within limits
c) Difficulty in attachment of wings and stabilizers
A
b) Maintaining strength while keeping weight within limits
3
Q
What is the purpose of bulkheads in fuselage construction?
a) To support wings and stabilizers
b) To give shape and partition areas, such as pressure or fireproof zones
c) To carry bending loads
A
b) To give shape and partition areas, such as pressure or fireproof zones
4
Q
What role do longerons play in fuselage construction?
a) They help in maintaining the fuselage’s shape
b) They carry primary bending loads across the fuselage
c) They reinforce areas around doors and windows
A
b) They carry primary bending loads across the fuselage
5
Q
What is the main function of stringers in fuselage construction?
a) To assist in carrying bending loads
b) To act as stiffeners and help the skin carry loads along its length
c) To provide attachment points for wings and stabilizers
A
b) To act as stiffeners and help the skin carry loads along its length
6
Q
Where are doublers commonly used in fuselage construction?
a) Around engines
b) Around apertures such as doors or windows
c) To support the fuselage during flight
A
b) Around apertures such as doors or windows
7
Q
What are struts primarily used for in fuselage construction?
a) To handle tension forces
b) To carry compression forces
c) To support the wings
A
b) To carry compression forces
8
Q
What do ties (tie rods) primarily resist in fuselage construction?
a) Compression forces
b) Tension forces
c) Shear forces
A
b) Tension forces
9
Q
What material is commonly used for ties in fuselage construction?
a) Aluminium
b) Steel or titanium
c) Composite materials
A
b) Steel or titanium
10
Q
What is the primary function of floor beams in modern aircraft?
a) To support the weight of passengers
b) To carry tension loads during pressurization
c) To reinforce the fuselage walls
A
b) To carry tension loads during pressurization
11
Q
What is the purpose of reinforcement in aircraft structures?
a) To increase the aircraft’s weight
b) To improve the strength-to-weight ratio
c) To add aesthetic value
A
b) To improve the strength-to-weight ratio
12
Q
What is the primary function of spars in wing construction?
a) To provide shape to the wing
b) To support and distribute bending loads across the wing span
c) To house the fuel tanks
A
b) To support and distribute bending loads across the wing span
13
Q
What role do ribs play in wing construction?
a) To provide structural support for the engine
b) To maintain the correct contour of the wing’s covering and assist in stress-bearing
c) To reduce drag during flight
A
b) To maintain the correct contour of the wing’s covering and assist in stress-bearing
14
Q
What is the typical construction material for floorboards in aircraft?
a) Steel
b) Honeycomb composite
c) Wood
A
b) Honeycomb composite
15
Q
What is the main reason why aircraft floors in “wet areas” are sealed?
a) To prevent water damage
b) To prevent corrosion
c) To reduce weight
A
b) To prevent corrosion
16
Q
Which of the following describes a truss-type fuselage construction?
a) A rigid framework of beams, struts, and bars designed to resist deformation by applied loads
b) A single-layer skin structure with no internal framework
c) A fuselage structure using only bulkheads and longerons
A
a) A rigid framework of beams, struts, and bars designed to resist deformation by applied loads
17
Q
What is the main material used for truss-type fuselage frames in light, single-engine aircraft?
a) Aluminium alloy
b) Titanium
c) Steel
A
a) Aluminium alloy
18
Q
In a truss-type fuselage, what is the primary function of a strut?
a) To carry tension loads
b) To carry compression loads
c) To maintain the fuselage’s shape
A
b) To carry compression loads
19
Q
What is the characteristic feature of true monocoque construction in fuselage design?
a) The skin carries the primary stresses
b) The fuselage is made of tubular steel tubing
c) The fuselage is only supported by frames and bulkheads
A
a) The skin carries the primary stresses
20
Q
What additional components are included in semi-monocoque construction compared to true monocoque construction?
a) Only the skin
b) Reinforcement by longitudinal members
c) Solid rods or tubes for cross-bracing
A
b) Reinforcement by longitudinal members
21
Q
What is the main advantage of semi-monocoque fuselage construction?
a) It depends on a few key members for strength and rigidity
b) It provides a streamlined design while maintaining strength and rigidity through multiple structural members
c) It is lighter than truss-type construction
A
b) It provides a streamlined design while maintaining strength and rigidity through multiple structural members
22
Q
What is a “manufacturers joint” or “production break” in fuselage construction?
a) A reinforced point where sections of the fuselage meet
b) A method of attaching the fuselage to the wings
c) A joint used to attach the fuselage to the stabilizers
A
a) A reinforced point where sections of the fuselage meet
23
Q
Which material is most commonly used in semi-monocoque fuselage construction?
a) Wood
b) Aluminium alloys
c) Carbon fiber
A
b) Aluminium alloys
24
Q
What is the role of the skin in semi-monocoque fuselage construction?
a) It carries part of the load and is reinforced by a framework of structural members
b) It serves only as an aesthetic covering
c) It is the primary load-bearing component without any structural reinforcement
A
a) It carries part of the load and is reinforced by a framework of structural members
25
What is a key benefit of semi-monocoque construction in terms of damage tolerance?
a) It allows the fuselage to withstand considerable damage and remain structurally sound
b) It is less susceptible to corrosion
c) It reduces the weight of the aircraft
a) It allows the fuselage to withstand considerable damage and remain structurally sound
26
What kind of loads do the structural members in a semi-monocoque fuselage carry?
a) Only tension loads
b) Both tension and compression loads
c) Only bending loads
b) Both tension and compression loads
27
How is the metal skin of a semi-monocoque fuselage typically attached to the structural framework?
a) Welded
b) Riveted
c) Glued
b) Riveted
28
What is the purpose of bulkheads and longerons in semi-monocoque construction?
a) To add aesthetic value to the fuselage
b) To facilitate the design of a streamlined fuselage and increase strength
c) To reduce the overall weight of the aircraft
b) To facilitate the design of a streamlined fuselage and increase strength
29
Which of the following is true about semi-monocoque construction compared to truss-type construction?
a) It uses fewer structural members for strength
b) It relies on the skin for carrying primary stresses, along with internal members
c) It is primarily used in smaller, light aircraft
b) It relies on the skin for carrying primary stresses, along with internal members
30
Which structural feature is commonly used in semi-monocoque fuselage construction to help carry loads?
a) Gussets
b) Skin reinforcement with longitudinal members
c) Extra bulkheads
b) Skin reinforcement with longitudinal members
31
Which method is commonly used for skinning in modern aircraft construction?
a) Sheet metal is bonded and riveted to the fuselage structure
b) Wood panels are fastened to the structure using nails
c) Composite materials are only bonded, not riveted
a) Sheet metal is bonded and riveted to the fuselage structure
32
What is the primary purpose of anti-corrosive protection in aircraft design?
a) To increase the weight of the structure
b) To prevent deterioration of strength due to corrosion during service
c) To make the aircraft look aesthetically pleasing
b) To prevent deterioration of strength due to corrosion during service
33
Which material is commonly used in aircraft construction for its passivation qualities and strength when alloyed?
a) Steel
b) Aluminium
c) Carbon fiber
b) Aluminium
34
What is cladding or plating used for in aircraft construction?
a) To increase the weight of the aircraft
b) To provide corrosion protection through a sacrificial layer
c) To improve the aerodynamics of the aircraft
b) To provide corrosion protection through a sacrificial layer
35
What are the main components of a typical wing construction for large aircraft?
a) A front and rear spar, ribs, and a stressed skin covering
b) A single central spar and wing tips
c) Ribs, longerons, and stringers
a) A front and rear spar, ribs, and a stressed skin covering
36
What is the purpose of the wing box in aircraft construction?
a) To provide a streamlined appearance
b) To provide support, rigidity, and absorb impacts
c) To house the aircraft's fuel tanks
b) To provide support, rigidity, and absorb impacts
37
How is the empennage (tail section) typically attached to the fuselage?
a) With riveted bolts only
b) Using a box section for horizontal stabilisers and large machined fittings for vertical stabilisers
c) Through welding the components together
b) Using a box section for horizontal stabilisers and large machined fittings for vertical stabilisers
38
Where are engines commonly mounted on an aircraft?
a) Only on the wings
b) In the wings, on pylons below the wings, or on the fuselage
c) Only on the fuselage
b) In the wings, on pylons below the wings, or on the fuselage
39
What is the main purpose of an engine pylon (strut) in aircraft design?
a) To house the engine's accessories
b) To support and attach the engine to the wing or fuselage
c) To improve the aerodynamics of the engine nacelle
b) To support and attach the engine to the wing or fuselage
40
What is a nacelle in aircraft construction?
a) A component that reduces drag and houses the engine and its accessories
b) A part of the wing responsible for lift generation
c) A fuselage component that protects the crew
a) A component that reduces drag and houses the engine and its accessories
41
What is typically included in the construction of an engine nacelle?
a) Only the engine and fuel tanks
b) The engine, engine mounts, firewall, skin, and cowling
c) The engine and a layer of soundproof material
b) The engine, engine mounts, firewall, skin, and cowling
42
In multi-engine aircraft, where are engine nacelles commonly located?
a) Attached to the fuselage at the empennage
b) On the wings or attached to the fuselage
c) Only at the rear of the fuselage
b) On the wings or attached to the fuselage
43
What are the main components of the pylon strut assembly?
a) Engine mounts, rivets, and a streamlined cover
b) A torque box, firewall, fire-seal, and engine attachment fittings
c) Ribs, longerons, and a control surface
b) A torque box, firewall, fire-seal, and engine attachment fittings
44
What is the function of the false spar in some aircraft wing designs?
a) To reduce the weight of the wing
b) To provide additional attachment points for the landing gear
c) To improve aerodynamic efficiency
b) To provide additional attachment points for the landing gear
45
How does the nacelle reduce aerodynamic drag?
a) By presenting a round or elliptical profile to the wind
b) By using advanced composite materials
c) By adding extra winglets to the structure
a) By presenting a round or elliptical profile to the wind
46
What is the primary material used for the outer skins of aircraft due to its lightweight and durable properties?
a) Steel
b) Aluminium
c) Titanium
b) Aluminium
47
Which fastening method is commonly used to join aircraft structures, particularly aluminium parts?
a) Welding
b) Riveting
c) Screwing
b) Riveting
48
What type of rivet is preferred for joining metal parts in aircraft construction due to its light weight?
a) Solid-shank rivet
b) Blind rivet
c) Threaded rivet
a) Solid-shank rivet
49
What is the purpose of the mandrel in blind rivets?
a) To increase the rivet's strength
b) To help expand the rivet and then snap off
c) To reduce the overall weight of the joint
b) To help expand the rivet and then snap off
50
What are blind rivets most commonly used for in aircraft construction?
a) In critical structural joints where high strength is necessary
b) In areas where access is only available from one side of the joint
c) In joints exposed to high vibration
b) In areas where access is only available from one side of the joint
51
What are aircraft quality bolts typically made from?
a) Copper and bronze
b) Alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloys, and titanium
c) Plastic and composite materials
b) Alloy steel, stainless steel, aluminium alloys, and titanium
52
What is the role of bonding in modern aircraft construction?
a) To replace welding in all metal joints
b) To form a permanent bond, particularly in composite structures
c) To replace riveting for all joints
b) To form a permanent bond, particularly in composite structures
53
What is a typical application for adhesive bonding in aircraft construction?
a) Bonding engine mounts to the fuselage
b) Bonding stringers to skins and metallic honeycomb to skins
c) Bonding the tail section to the fuselage
b) Bonding stringers to skins and metallic honeycomb to skins
54
How does adhesive bonding contribute to modern aircraft construction?
a) By reducing the weight while increasing strength and durability
b) By allowing faster assembly times
c) By improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft
a) By reducing the weight while increasing strength and durability
55
What type of structures often use sandwich construction in aircraft?
a) Wing spars
b) Skins of fuselages, elevators, and ailerons
c) Engine nacelles
b) Skins of fuselages, elevators, and ailerons
56
What is the advantage of combining adhesive bonds with rivets in aircraft assembly?
a) Weight savings and improved durability
b) Reduced production costs
c) Increased maintenance requirements
a) Weight savings and improved durability
57
What is a key feature of sandwich structures in aircraft construction?
a) They consist of a solid metal core with external composite layers
b) They have outer skins of aluminium or composite with an internal honeycomb structure
c) They are made of only composite materials for strength
b) They have outer skins of aluminium or composite with an internal honeycomb structure
58
What has been the effect of using composite materials and bonding in modern aircraft?
a) Increased fuel consumption
b) Enhanced strength while minimizing weight
c) Increased overall complexity in assembly
b) Enhanced strength while minimizing weight
59
Which type of fastener is used when high strength is required in aircraft construction?
a) Screws
b) Bolts
c) Nails
b) Bolts
60
What is the primary benefit of using rivets in aircraft assembly?
a) They provide a permanent, secure joint
b) They allow quick assembly without tools
c) They can be easily removed and replaced during maintenance
a) They provide a permanent, secure joint
61
What is the primary purpose of surface protection treatments in aircraft?
a) To enhance the aesthetic appearance
b) To prevent corrosion, damage by aggressive fluids, and provide erosion protection
c) To increase the weight of the structure
b) To prevent corrosion, damage by aggressive fluids, and provide erosion protection
62
Which of the following areas typically do NOT require surface protection on an aircraft?
a) Leading edges of slats, wing tips, and fences
b) External surfaces of the pylon made of corrosion-resistant materials
c) Scuff plates on passenger and cargo doors
a) Leading edges of slats, wing tips, and fences
63
What are the three main groups of protective treatment for aircraft structures?
a) Surface polishing, chemical films, electroplating
b) Pre-treatment, paint coatings, special coatings
c) Insulation, bonding, and corrosion-resistant alloys
b) Pre-treatment, paint coatings, special coatings
64
Which pre-treatment process involves creating an oxide coating to improve surface performance?
a) Chromating
b) Anodising
c) Passivation
b) Anodising
65
What is the appearance of a chromate protective film after chromating treatment?
a) Matte grey
b) Golden yellow
c) Glossy black
b) Golden yellow
66
What is the primary reason for applying paint to an aircraft?
a) To increase aerodynamics
b) To protect the skin and structure from corrosion
c) To improve the fuel efficiency
b) To protect the skin and structure from corrosion
67
What type of paint is used for the lower fuselage of an aircraft that is exposed to condensation and corrosive fluids?
a) Heat-resistant paint
b) Standard topcoat paint
c) Special corrosion-resistant paint
c) Special corrosion-resistant paint
68
What is the function of the primer in a paint coating system on aircraft?
a) To give the aircraft its final color
b) To increase corrosion resistance and provide a surface for subsequent paint adhesion
c) To make the aircraft weightless
b) To increase corrosion resistance and provide a surface for subsequent paint adhesion
69
What is the primary role of the topcoat in a paint system?
a) To improve surface adhesion
b) To protect the primer and provide the aircraft with its final appearance
c) To prevent paint wear from the atmosphere
b) To protect the primer and provide the aircraft with its final appearance
70
Which type of special coating is used to repel moisture from the aircraft surface?
a) Type 1: Water repellent coating
b) Type 2: Heavy-duty corrosion preventive compound
c) Type 3: Erosion-resistant coating
a) Type 1: Water repellent coating
71
Which special coating is used to protect aircraft from corrosive agents in harsh environments?
a) Type 1: Water repellent coating
b) Type 2: Heavy-duty corrosion preventive compound
c) Type 3: Anti-UV coating
b) Type 2: Heavy-duty corrosion preventive compound
72
Why is anodising used in aircraft surface treatment?
a) To make the surface glossy and decorative
b) To form an oxide coating that improves surface performance and corrosion resistance
c) To reduce weight by removing metal layers
b) To form an oxide coating that improves surface performance and corrosion resistance
73
What is the effect of paint on an aircraft's performance?
a) It has no effect
b) It can affect the aircraft's weight and mass balance
c) It increases fuel consumption significantly
b) It can affect the aircraft's weight and mass balance
74
What must be considered when choosing the surface protection for a specific aircraft component?
a) The component’s weight
b) The component’s function, location, and material
c) The component’s color preference
b) The component’s function, location, and material
75
How does chromating help with corrosion protection?
a) By creating a barrier that repels water
b) By forming a protective oxide film that prevents corrosion
c) By bonding the surface with special adhesives
b) By forming a protective oxide film that prevents corrosion
76
What is the primary purpose of surface cleaning on an aircraft?
a) To remove paint damage
b) To prevent corrosion by removing dirt, oil, fuel, and fluids
c) To improve the aerodynamics
b) To prevent corrosion by removing dirt, oil, fuel, and fluids
77
Which of the following is NOT a recommended cleaning method for aircraft exterior surfaces?
a) Wet washing
b) Dry washing
c) Abrasive scrubbing
c) Abrasive scrubbing
78
What is a key characteristic of dry washing?
a) It uses liquids to clean the surface
b) It is used to remove heavy grease deposits
c) It is used to remove film, dust, and small accumulations of dirt without liquids
c) It is used to remove film, dust, and small accumulations of dirt without liquids
79
What is the purpose of polishing an aircraft?
a) To remove oil stains
b) To restore brightness/colour and remove oxidation or corrosion
c) To protect the surface from bird strikes
b) To restore brightness/colour and remove oxidation or corrosion
80
What should be done before beginning exterior cleaning on an aircraft?
a) Check the aircraft's fuel level
b) Ensure all panels and covers are in place and openings sealed off
c) Remove all fuel from the aircraft
b) Ensure all panels and covers are in place and openings sealed off
81
What is the best way to clean thick mud, grease, or oil from an aircraft?
a) Use high-pressure water jets
b) Scrape it off by hand using wood or soft plastic scrapers and then wipe with a lint-free cloth soaked in solvent
c) Use a dry cloth to wipe off the excess
b) Scrape it off by hand using wood or soft plastic scrapers and then wipe with a lint-free cloth soaked in solvent
82
What should be avoided when using solvents during aircraft cleaning?
a) Overuse of water
b) Using undiluted solvents on acrylic windows
c) Cleaning in high humidity conditions
b) Using undiluted solvents on acrylic windows
83
What should be done if aircraft surfaces are contaminated with snow and ice?
a) Apply a paint coat to protect the surface
b) Wash the contaminated areas with clean water as soon as possible after exposure
c) Leave the contamination as it is to avoid damage to the paint
b) Wash the contaminated areas with clean water as soon as possible after exposure
84
How can the impact of salt contamination on aircraft operating in marine environments be minimized?
a) Reduce aircraft speed to decrease salt exposure
b) Increase the frequency of aircraft washing and lubrication procedures
c) Use a stronger paint coat to resist salt damage
b) Increase the frequency of aircraft washing and lubrication procedures
85
What is the recommended method for cleaning acrylic windows on aircraft?
a) Use a solvent-based cleaner
b) Wash with soap or mild detergent in warm water and polish with an anti-static cloth
c) Scrape off dirt with a razor blade
b) Wash with soap or mild detergent in warm water and polish with an anti-static cloth
86
What is the procedure for cleaning the interior of an aircraft?
a) Only dust the seats and use a vacuum cleaner for other areas
b) Use a vacuum cleaner for dirt and grit, and remove oil or grease stains with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner
c) Leave the interior uncleaned unless there is a major spill
b) Use a vacuum cleaner for dirt and grit, and remove oil or grease stains with a manufacturer-recommended cleaner
87
What must be done when cleaning the interior of an aircraft that has carried livestock?
a) Use standard cleaning products
b) Perform a very thorough internal cleaning with particular attention to bilge areas and use a disinfectant
c) Clean only the areas that are visible
b) Perform a very thorough internal cleaning with particular attention to bilge areas and use a disinfectant
88
Why must aircraft cleaning solvents be carefully chosen?
a) Some solvents can damage aircraft paint and materials like plastics
b) Solvents are needed to increase the structural strength of the aircraft
c) Solvents are used for fuel efficiency
a) Some solvents can damage aircraft paint and materials like plastics
89
Which areas of the aircraft should receive special attention during interior cleaning?
a) The wings and tail sections
b) Areas prone to spillages, like galleys and lavatories
c) Only the seats and overhead compartments
b) Areas prone to spillages, like galleys and lavatories
90
What should be done after cleaning aircraft windows to prevent further damage?
a) Use an abrasive cleaner to polish them
b) Leave them exposed to the sun to dry
c) Polish minor scratches with an approved plastics polish and finish with an anti-static polish
c) Polish minor scratches with an approved plastics polish and finish with an anti-static polish
91
Why is it important to check the alignment and symmetry of an aircraft?
a) To ensure proper aerodynamics and handling
b) To improve the aircraft's appearance
c) To make sure the aircraft is balanced for takeoff
a) To ensure proper aerodynamics and handling
92
When should an aircraft undergo a symmetry and alignment check?
a) Only after a routine inspection
b) After any major structural repair, severe conditions, or unusual flight characteristics
c) Only after the aircraft has been in service for 5 years
b) After any major structural repair, severe conditions, or unusual flight characteristics
93
What equipment is commonly used to check alignment on aircraft?
a) Spirit levels and plumb bobs
b) Rulers and tape measures
c) Infrared thermometers
a) Spirit levels and plumb bobs
94
What is the purpose of the grid method used in aircraft alignment?
a) To check the fuel system
b) To help level the aircraft by indicating the necessary adjustments to the jacks
c) To measure the aircraft's weight distribution
b) To help level the aircraft by indicating the necessary adjustments to the jacks
95
How is dihedral angle checked on an aircraft?
a) By using a theodolite to measure the angle from the cockpit
b) By using a special board or a straight edge with an inclinometer
c) By using a laser pointer to measure the angle
b) By using a special board or a straight edge with an inclinometer
96
What is the purpose of checking the incidence of an aircraft wing?
a) To ensure the wing is free from twists and is aligned correctly
b) To measure the overall length of the wing
c) To check the fuel efficiency of the wing
a) To ensure the wing is free from twists and is aligned correctly
97
How is the verticality of the fin checked?
a) By measuring from a fixed point on the fuselage to the tip of the fin
b) By using a plumb bob to ensure it is vertical relative to the lateral datum
c) By visually inspecting the alignment from the cockpit
b) By using a plumb bob to ensure it is vertical relative to the lateral datum
98
What is the primary purpose of checking engine alignment?
a) To measure the fuel consumption of the engine
b) To ensure the engine is positioned correctly with the thrust line parallel to the aircraft's longitudinal plane
c) To ensure the engine's power output is maximized
b) To ensure the engine is positioned correctly with the thrust line parallel to the aircraft's longitudinal plane
99
How is a symmetry check typically performed on small aircraft?
a) Using a theodolite for precise angles
b) Using a steel tape and measuring between marked points
c) By visually inspecting the symmetry from a distance
b) Using a steel tape and measuring between marked points
100
What is the effect of misalignment on an aircraft?
a) It has no significant effect on flight characteristics
b) It can negatively impact flight stability, performance, and safety
c) It makes the aircraft more fuel efficient
b) It can negatively impact flight stability, performance, and safety
101
What is the typical method for checking the alignment of the horizontal stabilizer?
a) By measuring the angle of incidence with a special incidence board
b) By comparing the length of the stabilizer with that of the wings
c) By measuring from the top of the fin to specified points on the stabilizer
c) By measuring from the top of the fin to specified points on the stabilizer
102
What is the typical tool used to measure engine alignment on aircraft with wing-mounted engines?
a) A theodolite
b) A measurement from the engine mounting centreline to the fuselage centreline
c) A plumb bob suspended from the engine mount
b) A measurement from the engine mounting centreline to the fuselage centreline
103
What can cause a misaligned aircraft to have poor flight characteristics?
a) Incorrectly balanced fuel tanks
b) A failure to properly follow alignment specifications
c) Overheating of the engines
b) A failure to properly follow alignment specifications
104
What measurement technique is used on larger aircraft during symmetry checks?
a) Using a steel tape and a plumb bob to mark positions on the floor
b) Using a laser scanner for precise measurements
c) Using a high-resolution camera to compare dimensions
a) Using a steel tape and a plumb bob to mark positions on the floor
105
Why is it important to perform symmetry and alignment checks after severe conditions like a heavy landing or turbulence?
a) To ensure the aircraft’s weight distribution is correct
b) To detect any misalignment that could affect flight quality and safety
c) To check for fuel leaks or damage to engine components
b) To detect any misalignment that could affect flight quality and safety
