Static Wing Load Testing of Old Wooden Glider Wings
Jeff,
I have static loaded several wings, over the years. It is something not to be taken lightly. First off you need a test stand that is high enough to hold the inverted wing, under load allowing for something like 2 foot wing bending and strong enough to hold the wing and a good 2000 pounds of sand with provisions for the drag spar(to prevent wing twisting). Then you need the weight, 90# concrete bags are nice, but you'll have $300 invested. Loading is done simotaniously with two people adding a bag to each wing, watching for any side leaning. As the last bags are loaded,the wing may bend a good foot with each new bag! If one bag should slide off, the other wing will slam down, resulting in more load shifting................you get the picture? One can destroy a wing, just seeing if it is strong enough! The wings I have tested had extensive repairs. If your wing has not been damaged and repaired, I'd recommend a thorough tap test and frequency testing, then get a fresh re-pack on your parachute and go fly! Restricting G load and VME is always a good idea with old wooden birds.
Cheers,
JJ
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