The Boeing 707 has 10 leading edge slats on each wing similar to the one shown in

Figure 1a. 5 of the 10 slats are located outboard of each outboards nacelle and 5 between
the nacelles. The 5 outboard slats are each actuated by two double acting, single ended
linear hydraulic actuators (one at each end).

Figure 1a: Leading Edge Slat Diagram

a) Explain why each slat has 2 actuators to provide its hydraulic power?
(2 marks)
b) Using Figure 1b, determine the ultimate critical buckling load that each actuator is
capable of withstanding if a=450 mm and b=550 mm . Both the rod and the
cylinder are made from the same material with a Youngs Modulus of
11
2
2.2 10 Nm
Cylinder Outer Diameter=50 mm
Cylinder Bore Diameter =45 mm
Rod Outer Diameter =30 mm
Rod Inner Diameter=25 mm
d4
I=
64
k 2 EI
Fcirt =
L2
(9 marks)
c) The table below shows a number of different materials.
Material
Low Alloy Steel
Aluminium Alloy
Carbon Fibre composite

Ultimate Tensile Stress

MPa
964
304
845

Youngs Modulus
GPa
220
73.2
153

Using the information you already have, choose the correct material for the cylinder
and (using thin cylinder theory) determine the ultimate hoop stress for this cylinder
and comment on whether the material is a safe choice.
Assume that the maximum internal pressure in the cylinder is 207 bar.
(6 marks)
d) Explain why is the rod hollow?
(3 marks)

Figure 1b: Equivalent length Le, for a strut constant section (E 1I1) to replace a
stepped strut
e) Explain the basic function of an actuator.
(5 marks)