METHOD OF FATIGUE TESTING A COMPLEX STRUCTURE
FIG3 is an oblique view of a subassembly of the complex airframe structure of FIG2
Referring to FIG3, an oblique view of a subassembly 210 of complex structure 200 is shown. In the embodiment shown, subassembly 210 comprises a control tower portion of the airframe structure configured to provide support to the transmission and controls for the main rotor system 110 of aircraft 100. Accordingly, subassembly 210 may comprise provisions for mounting the transmission, actuators for controlling the main rotor system 110, and/or other components of aircraft 100.
oblique view
201
joint joints
210
subassembly
202
members
203
member
206
displacement instrument displacement instruments
204
member
205
strain gauges strain gauge
['3. The method (800) of claim 2, wherein:- (i) the flight loads are determined based on at least one of measured displacements and measured strains experienced by the complex airframe structure (200); and/or (ii) wherein the fatigue sensitive points are grouped into families based on at least one of (1) the type of joint and (2) the response to the to the flight loads.']