Originally Posted by Jet II
Bear straps are extra layers of skin, generally around openings (cargo door cut-outs etc.) to transmit loads away from the weakened opening into the rest of the fuselage.
Tear straps are a reinforced doubler on the inside of the fuselage skin, that give a fail-safe area that contains any fatigue cracking.
Worked in aircarft structures for over 40 years and I have never heard of "External Doublers" being called "Bear Straps". I learn something new everyday?