On the structural test of 1.5-ton test WIG craft

This paper deals with the static structural test of 1.5-ton test WIG (Wing-In-Ground effect) craft designed and built to verify its aero/hydro-dynamic and structural design characteristics prior to the design of full scale 20-passenger WIG craft. The test WIG craft is scaled down from its full scale WIG craft by 1/2 and built using pre-preg carbon/epoxy composites for the majority of structural parts with metallic materials for fittings used at wings to hull connections. To initiate the test, the finite element (FE) models of the test WIG craft are developed and, based on their results, the details of applied load range, strain/deflection gauge types and locations, load application methods and data acquisition system specifications are determined. The test is performed with respect to main wings to hull connection part first and then vertical tail wing to hull connection part and, finally, horizontal tail wing to vertical tail wing/hull connection part. Both the test and FE model results are compared with respect to stresses and deflections and the comparison shows good correlation between them which implies satisfactory design and building of 1.5-ton test WIG craft.