166. Use Steel – Save Weight

Paper

Abstract

Where high temperature and high strength structural design is required, this paper demonstrates that the logical solution is:
‘Use Steel – Save Weight’. Four years of study and experimentation by Ryan Aeronautical Company have resulted in the development of a design that is both light and strong. These characteristics are achieved by using steel sheet stiffened locally with miniature corrugations, and by tapering the spar caps to match the load.
Design charts, tables, and illustrations of typical structures show how thin steel sheet can be used effectively. A comparison of actual parts to previously designed parts shows a weight saving of 18% to 60%. Some pictures of these parts and assembly methods demonstrate the practical value of this type of design.