The process of adding structural components to break up shear panels is known as?

The process of adding structural components to break up shear panels is best described as stiffening. Stiffening involves the incorporation of additional materials or structures that enhance the rigidity and load-carrying capacity of shear panels, helping them resist deformation under applied loads. In the context of airframe structures, stiffeners such as ribs, stringers, or additional framing elements are strategically placed within shear panels to improve their overall performance and ensure they can withstand shear forces effectively.

The role of these additional components is crucial in aviation structures, as they not only maintain structural integrity but also contribute to the aerodynamics and weight distribution of the aircraft. By reducing flexural deformations, stiffening improves the lifespan and safety of the airframe.

Other terms may involve the arrangement or support of components, but they do not specifically indicate the addition of structural components designed to increase stiffness and rigidity in shear panels in the same way that stiffening does.