Design of a Test Fixture and Static Load Test for a NACA 0009 Horizontal Stabilizer

Abstract

Aircraft horizontal stabilizers experience deflection and torsion during flight. The accompanying bending and shear stresses can cause failure if the aircraft is not operated within the correct performance envelope. Analytical models can be created to predict vertical and angular deflection as well as the shear center of the stabilizer. These values can also be found through experimental testing to verify the analytical models that can be used in the future. The proposed senior design project is to create the analytical models for a NACA 0009 horizontal stabilizer from an F1 Rocket of Frazier Aviation and design an experimental structural load test that can be used to verify the analytical models. As part of the experimental structural load test, the team must design a test fixture that will not deflect under the applied load.