Abstract: A mechanical fitting for connecting structures may include a base structure and a plate member. The mechanical fitting may also include a support structure for supporting the plate member at a predetermined spacing from the base structure. The support structure may include a truss structure.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for determining a flexibility value K of a fastener. An illustrative system includes a test apparatus including three straps with a strain gauge coupled to each strap. A fastener, such as a bolt, is installed through the straps, with a tensile or compressive force then applied to the test apparatus. Responsively, the strain gauges generate signals indicative of elastic deformation of the straps. The signals are transmitted to a signal processor, which may display deformation values, or alternatively, may process the signals to calculate the value K. The elastic deformation values acquired from the strain gauges, together with cross sectional area and elastic moduli of the straps, are entered into a calculation which applies a predetermined relationship to arrive at the value K. The test apparatus may be a stand-alone device for use in calculating the value K.

Abstract: Method and computer program product for generating a finite element model of a fastener passing through holes in load-bearing plates. Disks of finite elements are arranged in the holes to model the portions of the fastener aligned with each hole. Fence elements extend about the perimeters of the disks and the perimeters of the holes in directions away from sides of the disks and load-bearing plates. Contact bodies can be arranged on the fence elements. When a finite element model is executed, the fence elements and contact bodies can bear against each other to model contact between the holes and the fastener.

Abstract: An aircraft wing has a plurality of wing segments mounted on a wing spar by joints that allow relative movement between the spar and the wing segments. Tuning of coefficients of thermal expansion is employed to reduce induced stresses from changes in temperature.

Abstract: A light-weight stiffened wing airfoil includes at least one wing segment (52). The wing segment comprises an upper (53b) and a lower skin assembly (53a), wherein each of the upper and lower skin assemblies incorporates a plurality of inwardly facing stringer grooves (74); a first rib (64-1) at a distal end of the wing segment and a second rib (64-2) at a proximal end of the wing segment; a plurality of rib trusses (70) extending from the first and second ribs to the opposing skin assembly (53); and a plurality of support members extending from the inwardly facing stringer grooves to the opposing skin assembly.

Abstract: An aircraft wing has a plurality of wing segments mounted on a wing spar by joints that allow relative movement between the spar and the wing segments. Tuning of coefficients of thermal expansion is employed to reduce induced stresses from changes in temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a nose cone. In one illustrative example, an apparatus comprises a plurality of segments and a movement system associated with the plurality of segments. The plurality of segments forms the nose cone. Each of the plurality of segments comprises a segment outer surface that forms a portion of an outer surface of the nose cone. The movement system is used to move at least one of the plurality of segments to move the nose cone between a retracted state and an expanded state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a joint. The apparatus comprises a graph generator and a model generator. The graph generator forms a first graph based on a plurality of points within a region. The plurality of points represent a plurality of locations relative to a structure for a plurality of fastener devices configured to be installed in the structure to form a joint. The graph generator is configured to identify primary points and secondary points based on the first graph. The graph generator is further configured to form a second graph using the primary points, the secondary points, and the first graph. The model generator is configured to generate a two-dimensional model comprised of triangular sectors using vertices of the second graph. The two-dimensional model is configured for use in forming a mesh for use in performing finite element analysis for the joint.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a strain isolation layer assembly. The assembly has a rigid solar layer; a strain isolation layer having a discontinuous configuration, a vertical rigidity, and a horizontal shear flexibility; and an underlying substrate layer. The strain isolation layer is coupled between the rigid solar layer and the underlying substrate layer to form a strain isolation layer assembly, such that the strain isolation layer isolates the rigid solar layer to reduce one or more strains induced on the rigid solar layer.

Abstract: A mechanical fitting for connecting structures may include a base structure and a plate member. The mechanical fitting may also include a support structure for supporting the plate member at a predetermined spacing from the base structure. The support structure may include a truss structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a platform. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a set of support members associated with the structure, and a set of adjustment members. An adjustment member in the set of adjustment members is associated with a corresponding support member in the set of support members. The adjustment member is configured to adjust an angle between the corresponding support member and the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a number of platforms and a number of beams. The number of platforms has a first side and a second side. Each platform in the number of platforms is comprised of a number of devices. The number of beams is connected to the second side of the number of platforms at a plurality of connection points. The plurality of connection points is configured such that an orientation of the number of platforms remains substantially unchanged in response to a load on the number of platforms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a platform. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a set of support members associated with the structure, and a set of adjustment members. An adjustment member in the set of adjustment members is associated with a corresponding support member in the set of support members. The adjustment member is configured to adjust an angle between the corresponding support member and the structure.

Abstract: An aircraft comprising a fuselage, a vessel associated with the fuselage, a propulsion system associated with the fuselage, and a lift system. The vessel is capable of storing a pressurized gas compressed to a density that allows the aircraft to operate under water. The lift system is capable of providing the aircraft lift to fly in air.

Abstract: A mechanical fitting for connecting structures may include a base structure and a plate member. The mechanical fitting may also include a support structure for supporting the plate member at a predetermined spacing from the base structure. The support structure may include a truss structure.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a strain isolation layer assembly. The assembly has a rigid solar layer; a strain isolation layer having a discontinuous configuration, a vertical rigidity, and a horizontal shear flexibility; and an underlying substrate layer. The strain isolation layer is coupled between the rigid solar layer and the underlying substrate layer to form a strain isolation layer assembly, such that the strain isolation layer isolates the rigid solar layer to reduce one or more strains induced on the rigid solar layer.

Abstract: An aircraft wing has a plurality of wing segments mounted on a wing spar by joints that allow relative movement between the spar and the wing segments. Tuning of coefficients of thermal expansion is employed to reduce induced stresses from changes in temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a structure having a first side, a second side substantially opposite to the first side, a flexible skin, and a plurality of deformable assemblies. The flexible skin is attached to the first side and the second side of the structure. The plurality of deformable assemblies is moveably connected to the structure, in which each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a vertex and a base. The each deformable assembly in the plurality of deformable assemblies has a height that is capable of changing to change a shape of the structure and a shape of the flexible skin.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting containers in an aircraft. A number of containers is loaded into the aircraft. The aircraft is comprised of first and second outer planar structures, a number of planar structures located between the first outer planar structure and the second outer planar structure, a wing, and a support structure. The first outer planar structure, the second outer planar structure, and the number of planar structures are substantially parallel to each other, are coupled to each other to form a fuselage structure, and are configured to receive the number of containers. The support structure connects the wing to a first bottom end of the first outer planar structure, a second bottom end of the second outer planar structure, and a number of bottom ends of the number of planar structures. The aircraft is operated to transport the number of containers to a destination.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a number of platforms and a number of beams. The number of platforms has a first side and a second side. Each platform in the number of platforms is comprised of a number of devices. The number of beams is connected to the second side of the number of platforms at a plurality of connection points. The plurality of connection points is configured such that an orientation of the number of platforms remains substantially unchanged in response to a load on the number of platforms.