Aircraft Structural Weight and Design Efficiency: A Quantitative Examination of the Saving to be Effected by Paying Attention to the Many Variables which Affect the Matter

Abstract

THE importance of achieving a low structural weight is illustrated by simple estimates of the large decreases in aircraft gross weight and size made possible by conscientious weight saving in structural design. A brief review is then made of the many variables in aircraft design which affect the weight of the structure. The review is made chiefly to emphasize the close interplay in project work between the structural and aerodynamic effects of changes of layout. Finally some remarks are made about comparative structural design efficiency. It is concluded that good weight prediction formulae are at present the best means by which the structural design efficiencies of different aircraft may be readily compared.

Citation

Grinsted, F. (1949), "Aircraft Structural Weight and Design Efficiency: A Quantitative Examination of the Saving to be Effected by Paying Attention to the Many Variables which Affect the Matter", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 21 No. 7, pp. 214-217. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb031783