Static test of a thermoplastic composite wingbox under shear and bending moment

The proof of an aircraft’s structural integrity and safety is typically provided by analysis and supported by structural test evidence. The experimental test of a wingbox, which is the main structural component of a wing, can provide useful data on assessment of its structural performance in an actual airplane for the design objectives. To this end, a testing fixture was designed and manufactured to introduce a prescribed shear force and bending moment at one end of a variable stiffness thermoplastic composite wingbox and react the load at the other end. We report experimental results and compare them with detailed finite element data.