Standardized environmental fatigue sequence for the evaluation of composite components in combat aircraft. ENSTAFF - ENvironmental FalSTAFF.

Fatigue life assessment of composite structures in fighter aircraft necessitates testing with both mechanical and environmental loading at both coupon and structural element size levels. A loading standard has been developed which represents the service conditions expected for wing root area structure of fighter aircraft. The new standard, called ENSTAFF, utilizes the mechanical loading sequence FALSTAFF and connects defined temperatures to each peak and through load on the basis of flight missions. It also includes rules for moisture conditioning and moisture control. The load and environment sequence of ENSTAFF is presented in a form ready for application. ENSTAFF was planned to be used in fundamental investigations and studies of environment/load history variables such that test results might provide necessary data to establish design charts. (LBF)