787 Passes Wing Bend Test

[straitman]

787 Passes Wing Bend Test

Another good step forward for the 787. The photo is certainly impressive.

Mar 29, 2010


By Guy Norris [email protected]
Los Angeles

Boeing completed the ultimate load test on the static test 787 airframe, ZY997, at Everett on March 28. The test – officially dubbed Condition 18b - evaluated the ability of the wing-body structure to sustain loads equal to 150% of the design limit load, and represents the most extreme forces ever expected to be seen in service. Its clearance also marks the passing of a significant hurdle on the way to FAA certification.

 

[sr81]

Wow! What a photo.

Does anyone know if they stress the wings till they break or simply till 150% load is reached?

 

[straitman]

Wow! What a photo.

Does anyone know if they stress the wings till they break or simply till 150% load is reached?

Check the link in the article. On this occasion it simply states 150%

 

[samh004]

I’ve seen/heard of other tests when they go till breaking just to see where the failure actually is. Interesting that it deflected just a bit more than a 777 wing.

 

[tuapekastar]

Wow! What a photo.

Does anyone know if they stress the wings till they break or simply till 150% load is reached?

I can't search for it at work, but I think on youtube there is a video of the same test on a 777 (I think it may even be linked to somewhere on AFF in an old thread). The wings most certainly broke on that one.

 

[Sethor]

Wow! What a photo.

Does anyone know if they stress the wings till they break or simply till 150% load is reached?

Certification does not require Boeing to break the wings, they are only required to prove the wing can hold 150% for 4 seconds without destruction. From what I have ready on aviation forums Boeing do not plan to test the wing to destruction. The 777 wings were tested to destruction & managed to reach 154%, the A380 reached 147% (Airbus was not required to repeat tests only have to prove on paper/simulations that modifications would meet 150%), both videos are on You Tube.