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Old 15th March 2006 | 21:27
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Sunfish
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: moon
Thank you for explaining the latest details Grunf. I watched Boeing build the first 767 and haven't been involved in a new aircraft program since.

When watching what happens on one of these tests, the wing doesn't "break off" some part of it fails and the wing starts flexing again, relieveing the load. All you hear is a loud bang, then get out the calculator and find whats busted and where.

I wouldn't know the changes Airbus will need to make to fix this, but it could be as simple as adding a few pounds by making a component a fraction of a millimeter thicker, or changing a simple design detail like moving a hole or changing a radius. It is even possible that the strength may be improved by removing material if the failure was caused by an unsuspected stress concentration, as was necessary on the old F27 landing gear. I guess i'm showing my age......
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