It is called "complimentary structure". Most GA aircraft have a
structure consisting of a skin (alum or plywood) that carries most of
the load. However, the stringers and longerons have an important
function, that is, they provide out of plane stiffness to the skin,
thereby preventing it from buckling under load. Each element of the
structure has an axis about which it is weak, and it needs the other
elements to provide strength in that direction. They need each other
very much.

Bud

Morgans wrote:
"Roger (K8RI)" wrote

How about the Barracuda?

Does the Barracuda get its strength from its skin, or from a wooden framework
with plywood covering it? I don't know.
--
Jim in NC