Towards deriving loads spectra representing operational life: Equivalent flight profile versus single flight profiles

icaf2023 Tracking Number 75

Deriving the loads spectra is an essential task for structural sizing to achieve an acceptable economical life for a product. Furthermore, compliance with the certification requirements shall be based on typical loading spectra expected in service. The task that arises consists in deriving loads spectra to represent an operational life comprised by different flight profiles whose features may vary widely from one operator to another. The current work aims to compare two approaches used to address this issue: either treating each flight profile distinctly or deriving one equivalent flight profile that intends to accommodate all the former ones. A study case defined for a hypothetical loading scenario is presented and a stress analysis is performed to compare the fatigue results from both approaches. The benefits and risks that result from adopting one approach or another are also evaluated. Finally, this work provides resources to optimize the application of the different proposed loading spectra along the overall aircraft design process.