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Why is the fuselage cylindrical?
The main reason for the cylinder shape is to reduce the stress that comes from pressurizing an airplane. When a plane flies through the air, it’s going to meet with air resistance, called drag. The cylindrical, teardrop shape allows for the plane to fly through the air with the least resistance possible.
Why is the fuselage round?
The primary reason why the fuselage is circular (or elliptical) shaped is that the cabin is pressurised. This means that, mostly during cruise, the interior of the fuselage has an higher pressure than the outside atmosphere.
Why is aircraft body round?
Usually, the aircraft fuselage is designed with a circular cross-section. This is done in order to distribute the stresses equally throughout the cross-section. If it was square or rectangular in cross-section, the stresses concentration will be more in the edges causing the breakage to the structure.
What is an airplane fuselage?
A fuselage is a structural body not intended to generate lift (although it may) whose purpose is to contain engine, fuel, occupants, baggage, and mission-related equipment, although not always simultaneously. From: General Aviation Aircraft Design, 2014.
What is a plane fuselage?
fuselage, central portion of the body of an airplane, designed to accommodate the crew, passengers, and cargo. It varies greatly in design and size according to the function of the aircraft.
Why are aircraft fuselages cylindrical in shape?
Also, some fuselages are combinations of cylinders. The Boeing 377 Stratocruiser used the lower fuselage of the B-29 and had an upper, larger cylinder on top to give the passengers more room. For the same reason, rocket stages are cylindrical, too. They also need to be aerodynamic, have to tolerate high internal pressure and need to be lightweight.
Why are airplanes made of cylinders?
A: The main reason for the cylinder shape is to reduce the stress that comes from pressurizing an airplane. When you add air pressure to a lightweight, hollow structure, it will try to assume a round shape. This could mean failure if the structure isn’t strong enough.
Why are aircraft made of rectangular cross sections?
As you can see above, in some circumstances, aircraft manufacturers do beleieve that the advantages of a rectangular cross-section are worthwhile. Drag has little to nothing to do with it. The primary reason why the fuselage is circular (or elliptical) shaped is that the cabin is pressurised.
What is the best shape for a pressurized aircraft?
In the case of pressurized aircraft, the best option structurally is to have a circular fuselage, but in order to have a useful internal space, an elliptical or ‘double bubble’ design is used, with an outer circular section and divided internal sections, like the A380. If you pressurize any hollow structure, it will try to assume a round shape.