Investigation of the glider load spectra

Abstract

The paper presents the results of work aimed at the investigation of the load spectra.  The investigated object was a PW-5 glider equipped with a wing-spar root deflection measurement and accelerometer.  The records of the loads were made during several flight-tasks: thermal flying, soaring, wave-flying and aerobatics.  The results of the investigation are presented as load spectra in the form of the Markov-matrix.  A second subject concerns the extrapolation of the load spectrum recorded during investigations for extended-time operation.  The third problem reported is the comparison of the calculated damage accumulation effect induced by different load spectra.

Presented at the XXVIII OSTIV Congress, Eskilstuna, Sweden, 8-15 June 2006