Howe, D.
Description:
Although much has recently been published concerning methods
for the weight prediction of individual structural components, it is
some considerable time since a review of the subject as a whole has
appeared. This note is an attempt to remedy the situation, the
scope of the work not being limited to aircraft structures but
including also equipment and systems.
Various stages in the design process are considered, commencing
with simple formulae suitable for use in the operations system
stage, passing through the more detailed project stage and finally
recommending methods suitable for weight prediction as the design
becomes established.
In some instances the suggested formulae are well known,
but an effort has been made to utilise the latest available
information in bringing techniques up to date and where possible to
fill in gaps, particularly with respect to equipment and systems.