What kind of load do fuselage skins typically experience?

Fuselage skins are primarily subjected to both tension and compression loads due to aerodynamic forces acting on the aircraft during flight. As the airplane moves through the air, the pressure differential creates forces on the fuselage, causing it to experience stretching in some areas (tension) and compressive forces in others.

For instance, the airflow over the skin can lead to lift and drag, necessitating the skin to resist these forces, which manifest as tensile and compressive stresses. This dual load type is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the aircraft, ensuring that the fuselage can withstand the varying forces encountered throughout its operation.

Understanding the behavior of these loads in fuselage skin assists engineers in selecting appropriate materials and designing the structure to ensure safety and performance during flight.