Structures DER

Structural changes to an aircraft require more than a sound design—they require engineering data that demonstrates the modification meets applicable FAA requirements. ACES provides Structures DER support for projects ranging from material properties testing and modifications to existing monuments to structural repairs and complete aircraft interior reconfigurations. Working alongside ACES engineering and testing capabilities, Structures DER support can be coordinated throughout the project to help evaluate structural requirements, review supporting engineering data, and move modifications efficiently through the certification process.

Every aircraft project presents its own structural challenges and certification requirements. ACES works with a versatile network of Structures DERs to provide project-specific expertise for aircraft modifications, repairs, installations, and interior reconfiguration programs.

Structures DER support can be coordinated with ACES engineering and testing resources throughout the project, allowing structural design, analysis, substantiation, testing, and certification activities to move forward within a coordinated workflow.

This approach allows ACES to match the appropriate structural expertise to the individual project rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all certification process.

ACES Structures DER resources support a wide range of aircraft interior modifications, from changes to individual components and existing monuments to complete interior reconfigurations.

Structural certification support can be incorporated into projects involving the installation, modification, or substantiation of aircraft interior components and equipment.

Monuments Structural support for modifications and installations involving galleys, cabinets, closets, and other aircraft monuments.
Partitions Engineering and certification support for aircraft partitions and related structural attachments.
Seat Installations Structural evaluation and substantiation associated with aircraft seat installations and modifications.
Interior Reconfigurations Coordinated structural support for larger aircraft interior modification and reconfiguration programs.
Equipment Installations Structural support for avionics, mechanical equipment, and other aircraft system installations.
Structural Modifications Evaluation and substantiation of changes affecting existing aircraft structure and attachment provisions.

Structural repairs and alterations often require engineering evaluation and substantiation to demonstrate that the affected structure continues to satisfy the applicable certification requirements.

ACES Structures DER resources can support repairs and modifications to existing aircraft structure, components, monuments, and installations by reviewing the associated engineering data and certification documentation within the scope of the project.

When additional analysis or testing is required, Structures DER support can be coordinated directly with ACES engineering and structural testing capabilities to reduce unnecessary handoffs between separate organizations.

Structural certification frequently requires supporting analysis or physical testing. ACES can coordinate Structures DER activities with its engineering and structural testing capabilities to provide the technical data required for the specific project.

Structural analysis can include both traditional hand-analysis methods and Finite Element Modeling and Analysis, depending on the complexity and requirements of the aircraft modification.

Material Properties Testing and evaluation of material properties when supporting structural substantiation or certification.
Static Load Testing Full-scale or component-level structural load testing for monuments, seats, and other aircraft structures.
Tension, Compression & Shear Mechanical testing used to characterize structural materials, components, and attachment configurations.
Cyclic Testing Repeated-load testing supporting fatigue, durability, and Mean Time Between Failure evaluations.
Finite Element Analysis Computer-based structural modeling and analysis for applications requiring more detailed evaluation.
Certification Documentation Coordination of supporting engineering data, analysis, test results, and documentation required for structural certification activities.