Static-Load Tests on an Aircraft Gas Turbine to Simulate Loads Produced by Rapid Plane Maneuvers

This paper describes a method of loading statically an aircraft gas turbine to produce loads in the turbine structure similar to those produced by rapid plane maneuvers, such as pull-outs and spins. The method consists in applying a finite number of loads to the whole power-plant structure simultaneously in such a manner that these loads produce the same bending and shear, and restraints in the structural members as would be encountered in actual flight. Stresses and deflections can be measured directly on the unit, and these load stresses can be combined with thermal and internal load stresses to establish margins of safety. Static-load tests on a specific gas turbine are described in detail with results to illustrate the method used.