Tension Pads for Structural Testing at Convair: Details of the Method of Application of Rubber Tension Pads to Distribute Test Loads Available to Purchase

IN order to simulate flight and landing stresses on the ground, a measurable load with a given distribution must be transmitted to an aircraft structure by some mechanical means. Some thirty years ago, when the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation was organized, this was commonly accomplished by piling sandbags on the structure or by clamping yokes over ribs and frames for loading. Another method, later used, involved the direct attachment of spokes and clips to the structure.