Numerical structural analysis in support of aircraft structural integrity management

With increased fidelity and effectiveness, numerical structural analysis in recent years has been increasingly applied to support aircraft structural integrity management. This paper provides an overview of recent applications from the perspective of the aircraft structural mechanics area in the Defence Science and Technology Group. Four sample applications are presented, covering global aircraft internal loads model, local fracture mechanics analysis, geometry and material non-linear analysis of cold expansion process, and optimal design of rework profile for repair of fatigue damaged load bearing structures. Trends of future applications are also discussed.