Summit
Static Load Test
TEST INFORMATION - DATED
AUGUST 25/2001
Location:
The test was conducted at
Vernon BC Canada
Personnel:
Reference
Personnel:
Dean Leonard Aeronautical
Engineer
Summit
Frame:
The exact Summit frame used
for the static load test was Serial # 1000. This frame was our last
prototype frame and the model that is in currently in production is the
same as this last prototype. This prototype had a total of 75 hours of
flight time and the only modification to the frame that was performed
for the static test, is as follows: An extra support cross tube was
installed, see diagram.
This tube was located
between the two S/S front support tubes and at a height that can be
installed on our current Summit Airframes. This tube is easily installed
and can be inserted under the front pilot seat. There were no further
modifications to the actual summit airframe.
Weight
Used
We used 100 lb sand bags
that were placed on our wooden base. The wooden base was
set in place on the rear passenger seat support and the front of the
wooden base was supported over the pilot front support tubes. We
required further support and this was accommodated by using wooden
braces. These were placed over the front support bracket of the rear
passenger seat. This was done to insure that all load forces were
directly applied as if the passenger and pilot were in fact seated in
their appropriate seat and seat locations.
Lifting
Support
We used a heavy steel angle
and inserted chain through this angle and this is where we attached our
canopy attach cables. The cables were spread at the exact location that
they are during the realm of flight. Then the steel angle was attached
in the middle of the angle and a chain hoist was then used to raise and
lower the Summit frame. The Summit canopy cables were placed on the
Summit frame in the exact location that they are during the realm of
flight. In final preparation the Summit was weighed and recorded to be
350lbs.
Test
Procedure #1
We used black tape to locate
two points that will be used to measure bending moments. The first
record of measurement was recorded and found to be 45.1875" this
will represent our standard for this test. The Summit frame was then
loaded to 1200 lbs raised and then lowered onto the main wheels to aid
in taking the slack out of any cables, tube etc. The Summit frame was
then raised again and loaded to 2000lbs and there was no amount of
deflection or visible bending of any kind. The Summit frame was then
continually loaded to a weight of 3550 lbs and a measurement was taken
and recorded to be 44.6875" This resulted in a .500" bending
moment with a loaded weight of 3550lbs this weight also represented
2/3's of our required 6g ultimate. Then 2,350 lbs were removed from the
Summit frame leaving 1200 lbs and then the Summit frame was lowered on
to the landing gear. A measurement was recorded and it was found that
the measurement was exactly back to the original 45.1875" as it was
at the start procedure #1
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visual evidence of bending of any tube or bracket was evident. |
Test
Procedure #2
The Summit frame was raised
and loaded to 3550 lbs as it was at the end of test #1. The Summit frame
was then loaded to 4350 lbs. It was at this weight that there were
visible signs of the side rail supports and rear cross tube bending,
however the bending was marginal as seen in the photographs. The Summit
frame was then loaded to 5050 lbs and finally 5350lbs. With the load of
5350 lbs, a measurement was recorded and this measurement was reported
as 43.75". This resulted in a 1.5" bending moment with the
total weight of 5350lbs applied. The Summit frame left to hang for over
45 minutes and was even moved back and forth. There was no further
reason to load the Summit over this 6 g load limit.
Test
Procedure #3
The Summit Frame was off
loaded and our standard measurement with the Summit in
it's normal landing configuration was recorded to be 44.687" This
resulted in a .500" deformation after all loading was removed. The
side rails were measured and found to have a .125" deformation. The
rear cross support tube was measured and found to have a .75"
deformation. During the complete static load test there were no signs or
evidence of any failure or buckling whatsoever.
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Standard |
Side Rails |
Rear Cross tube |
You will not find a lighter and stronger
PPC on the market today!
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