Shuttle wing panel stability analysis

The use of the NASTRAN program in the shuttle wing stability analysis is described, and details of the actual structure, the finite element idealization, and the NASTRAN results are given. A comparison of the NASTRAN results with those obtained with another computer program and with hand generated results indicates good agreement. An alternate approach for solving eigenvalue problems is illustrated and shows a considerable savings in computer time. Some emphasis is placed on the relationship of the NASTRAN analysis in the design process bringing out more clearly the contribution of the results and showing the importance of the mode plots. A deficiency in the NASTRAN plate elements when used to model structures made up of intersecting plates is discussed.