Residual Life Estimation of an Attach Angle for a Cargo Aircraft

Abstract

Wing–fuselage attachment formally known as attach angle for cargo aircraft is an important component that connects the center wing to the fuselage. Owing to high wing loading, the edge and the center cracks on attach angle were detected and reported by users around the world. In this work, the critical edge and center crack lengths are computed using numerical techniques. The used procedure was first analytically validated for a simple case and then applied to original aircraft component. Based upon the critical crack lengths and crack-growth analysis, the remaining useful life of the attach angle has been estimated. Estimation of the remaining useful life for different parts of the aircraft at times become an essential requirement for aircraft operators, and the procedure adopted for this work can therefore be utilized for similar analysis of any aircraft part and would result in significant cost savings.