Prediction of variation in wingbox assembly operation by Finite Element Method

The civil aircraft industry often involves assembly of large deformable aluminium components within the wingbox structures. Part-to-part assembly of these compliant components regularly cause difficulties associated with dimensional variations. This paper presents a method for predicting dimensional variation in the assembly processes of a wing-box structure. A case study of the Airbus wing-box assembly process has been illustrated for this purpose. Finite Element Method and experimental tests are conducted on the rib structure based on the site measurement gathered from Airbus assembly factory.