Stress Report

A stress report is normally required for all models to be tested in the WInd Tunnel Operations Division facilities. See Design Criteria - Reduced Requirements, and Model Acceptance Criteria -Waivers, for limited exceptions to this requirement. The stress report establishes that the model has met all structural requirements. It should be complete and sufficiently comprehensive to preclude further explanation.

The Test Manager and customer personnel negotiate the delivery schedule for the stress report and other documentation at the Initial Test Planning Meeting. The report is due no later than 6 weeks prior to the tunnel entry date.

Stress Report Changes

Design evolution could dictate changing stress report content after decisions made at the Initial Test Planning Meeting. Negotiate changes with the Test Manager.

Stress Report Contents Overview

In the following order, the report must contain (as a minimum):

1. A table of contents.

2. Documentation of load envelopes. Steady-state aerodynamic loads and thermal loads for extremes of test conditions. Include starting loads for the 9x7ft wind tunnel.

3. A summary of the expected stresses and safety factors.

4. A discussion of the sources of design loads and the methods used to determine them.

5. The stress analysis.

6. Drawings of the model configuration, support components, and the model as installed in the tunnel.

7. Quality-inspection reports to validate the integrity of the completed model.

8. Documentation of stability requirements ( Design Criteria, for details on the stress analysis).

9. Frequencies and estimated dynamic loads on model for dynamic and transient testing.

Other Requirements

Ames might also require other items such as:

• material certification

• calibration data

• dimensional certification

• operator certification

• detailed design drawings to validate the integrity of the completed model

• weld certification

These items are normally requested at the Initial Test Planning Meeting, if required.

Formal Design Review

Formal design reviews are not normally required of models to be tested in the Ames facilities. The Test Manager can, however, require design reviews for those designs that are especially complicated and potentially hazardous.