Modelling and analysis of Airbus wingbox assembly

The production of aircraft involves the assembly of large, complex, and deformable components using mechanical fasteners. Assembly problems associated with dimensional variations consistently occur during part-to-part assembly. An investigation of the prediction of the geometric deformation on the next joining location with respect to the present joining location is presented. The direct influence of bolt tightening on the next assembly point is studied using the finite element method (FEM). A case study of the displacement between each foot from the rib of the wingbox with actual data gathered at the Airbus assembly factory is conducted using the FEM and validated on an experimental research test rig. General results obtained from the study indicate that displacement of the next rib foot does occur when assembly of the current rib foot is performed. However, bolt tightening does not significantly contribute to the overall displacement of the rib feet