Foster-Miller is conducting full-scale fatigue and residual strength tests on aluminum and composite fuselage and wing panels using our own Aging Aircraft Test Laboratory. The focal point of this specialized lab is the panel test facility that loads the panels with uniform pressure provided by a water-filled backing rather than conventional loading that uses complicated and expensive air pressure on full round sections. Biaxial loads are applied to the panels by hydraulic jacks, and because the loading is safe, crack propagation can be observed closely without the need for remote video systems.

We conduct tests on curved panels as well as large test coupons to characterize material properties and estimate the remaining useful life in aircraft structures. Another use of the panel test facility is to evaluate the performance of nondestructive test instrumentation, since the output of such instruments can be directly compared with crack formation and growth under controlled loading.

We  recently performed fatigue tests on a developmental composite fuselage section, and plan to further use the facility for tests that will support commercial and military aircraft fleets.

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