Circumference splice for joining shell structures

摘要

The disclosed shell structure splice and method may include a first panel having a first edge, a second panel having a second edge, the second edge being positioned in edgewise alignment with the first edge to form a splice joint, a strap bridging the splice joint and attached to the first panel and the second panel, the strap having a first tapered region and a second tapered region, a first fitting having a tapered section and a flat section, the tapered section being attached to the first tapered region of the strap, and a second fitting having a tapered section and a flat section, the tapered section being attached to the second tapered region of the strap.

主权项

1. A shell structure splice comprising:
a first panel comprising a first edge; a second panel comprising a second edge, said second edge positioned in edgewise alignment with said first edge of said first panel to form a splice joint; a first stringer connected to said first panel and spaced away from said first edge of said first panel; a second stringer connected to said second panel and spaced away from said second edge of said second panel; a strap connected to said first panel and said second panel bridging said splice joint, said strap comprising a top surface opposite said first panel and said second panel, a flat bottom surface contacting said first panel and said second panel, a first side, and a second side opposite said first side, said top surface defining a flat middle region disposed over said splice joint, a first tapered region extending from proximate said middle region to proximate said first side, and a second tapered region extending from proximate said middle region to proximate said second side; a first fitting comprising a first flat section connected to said first stringer and extending to proximate said first side of said strap and a first tapered section extending from proximate said first side to proximate said middle region of said strap and connected to said first tapered region of said strap; and a second fitting comprising a second flat section connected to said second stringer and extending to proximate said second side of said strap and a second tapered section extending from proximate said second side to proximate said middle region of said strap and connected to said second tapered region of said strap, wherein said first fitting and said second fitting are spaced apart by said middle region of said strap.