E-fixture

Abstract

A device and a method are disclosed for testing a curved panel assembly, which simulates a segment of an aircraft fuselage barrel section, subjected to combined loading. The device includes an axial load head assembly attached to the test panel assembly via one axial load fitting and configured to apply an axial load to the test panel assembly, and an axial-torsion reaction box connected to the axial load head assembly via linear journal bearing assemblies, where the axial-torsion reaction box is configured to be rotated by a pair of torsional loading systems to apply a torsional load to the test panel assembly. The device also includes a gore section attached to hoop load fittings of the test panel assembly, configured to provide degrees of freedom that constrain the test panel assembly to load and deflect as it would naturally in an actual fuselage barrel, form a plenum box to apply an internal pressure load, and provide hoop loading systems that complete the full hoop load application to the test panel assembly. A fixed reaction box attached to the test panel assembly via another axial load fitting rigidly attaches the test panel to the self-reacting frame, completing the internal load path of the overall system.