6.3.2 Wooden Structures Flashcards
What type of structure do fabric covered aircraft have
Truss type
What are the main lengthwise members in a wing called
Spars
What are wing spars usually made from
Sitka spruce
May be solid or laminated
What is the benefit of a laminated spar over a solid spar
A laminated spar is much cheaper and just as strong
What are the compression members which separate the spars made from
Steel tubing or heavy wall aluminium alloy tubing
What are sometimes used instead of compression members
Compression ribs but they must be strengthened to take the loads
What are drag wires
Wires that extend from the front spar inboard to the rear spar outboard oppose the forces that tend to drag against the wing and pull it backwards
What are anti drag wires
Wires that attach the rear spar inboard and and go to the front spar outboard are called anti drag wires
They oppose any force that tends to move the tip of the wing forward
What do most lightweight wing trusses consist of
- Spars
- Compression members
- Drag wires
- Anti drag wires
What type of loads does a built up box spar take
Torsional loads and bending loads
What part of a wooden aircraft take majority of the load in flight
Spars
What happens if a fabric covered ply structure is subject to excess bad weather and exposure to sunlight over a large amount of time with out maintenance
The surface finish will crack allowing moisture to penetrate to the wooden structure resulting in considerable deterioration through water soakage
What should be done before commencing a survey on a wood and fabric aircraft
Aircraft should be housed in a dry, well ventilated hangar. With all inspection covers, panels and hatches removed before survey.
What must be done before examining glued joints
The aircraft must be completely dried out
What should be the first check done when the inspection panels have been opened
A smell check to check for damp
How is NDT testing done on glued wooden joints
There is no Non destructive testing available for glued joints which makes it hard to accurately gauge the quality of the joint
How would inspection of a complete aircraft for glue or wood deterioration be carried out
- Checks on trouble spots of the structure
- Considerable dismantling may be required
- Must be done in accordance with maintenance manual
- If a repair that needs to be carried out doesn’t have an approved scheme, the manufacturer must be contacted or approved body
How would access holes be cut
Circular in shape and with a sharp trepanning tool to avoid jagged edges
What should be done prior to inspecting a glue line
- All protective paint coatings should be removed
Why must the wood be completely dry before checking a glue line
To avoid getting a false impression by wet swollen wood in the glue line
How would checking a glued joint take place
After the glued line is sufficiently dried the joint must be inspected with a thin feeler gauge and if penetration is possible the joint must be discarded
How is dry rot indicated
Small patches of crumbling wood
How is water penetration indicated
Gray streaks or stains running along the grain
If water penetration is suspected what as one main method which is carried out to confirm this
Removing a few screws in the area and inspect for corrosion
How would timber shrinkage be indicated
- Stress on glued joints
- Can cause looseness in metal fittings and bolts
- If timber shrinkage is suspected all paint and varnishes should be removed and a thin feeler gauge placed between the timber and bolt head
What would be the cause of elongated bolt holes
Where bolts secure fittings which take load carrying members or where bolts are subject to landing or shear loads, the bolt holes should be examined for elongation or surface crushing of the wood fibres
What would bruising or crushing of timber be caused by
Usually by over tightening bolts
How would you detect a compression failure (compression shakes)
By running a torch over the grain to check for ruptured fibres
This would be caused to excess bending during a heavy landing