Computation of dimensional variations on the structural analysis of multi-cell aircraft box beams with python scripting

Abstract

Purpose Python codes are developed for the versatile structural analysis on a 3 spar multi-cell box beam by means of idealization approach. Design/methodology/approach Shear flow distribution, stiffener loads, location of shear center and location of geometric center are computed via numpy module. Data visualization is performed by using Matplotlib module. Findings Python scripts are developed for the structural analysis of multi-cell box beams in lieu of long hand solutions. In-house developed python codes are made available to be used with finite element analysis for verification purposes. Originality/value The use of python scripts for the structural analysis provides prompt visualization, especially once dimensional variations are concerned in the frame of aircraft structural design. The developed python scripts would serve as a practical tool that is widely applicable to various multi-cell wing boxes for stiffness purposes. This would be further extended to the structural integrity problems to cover the effect of gaps and/or cut-outs in shear flow distribution in box-beams.