PIK-20D Glider Fatigue Review

Authors

  • Erkki Soinne Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Helsinki

Abstract

A fatigue inspection program has been established for the PIK-20D glider. This paper explains the reasoning for the inspection interval and the inspection objects. As a basis for this the stress calculations, fatigue and material tests and drawings of PIK-20D were reviewed. A noticeable effort was made to collect all relevant material data derived in the 1970s. The fatigue calculations performed were reviewed and the results were transformed to be consistent with the Kossira-Reinke spectrum, which has become a standard in Europe. The effect of aerobatic flight on fatigue was investigated. The review covers the entire glider with emphasis on the wing composite spar and web and the primary metal brackets. The review shows a long fatigue life and that there are no known fatigue problems on PIK-20D.

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Published

2020-01-02

Issue

Section

Articles