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Rib Repair

The principal chordwise structural members in wings, stabilizers, and other airfoils are the ribs. They are the formers for airfoils, giving them shape and rigidity and transmitting stresses from the skin to the spars. Ribs are designed to resist compression and shear loads and come in three general types: reinforced, truss, and former. Reinforced and truss ribs are relatively heavy compared to former ribs, and they are used only at points of great stress. Former ribs are located at frequent intervals throughout the airfoil. Rib repair by patching and insertion is shown in Figures 2-15 and 2-16, respectively. Former ribs are made of formed sheet metal and are very lightweight. The bent-over portion of a former rib, shown in Figures 2-15 and 2-16, is the rib's flange. The vertical portion, generally made with lightening holes, is the web. Lightening holes lessen the rib's weight without loss of strength.

Figure 2-15. Rib Repair by Patching.

Figure 2-16. Rib Repair by Insertion.

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