Question

To reduce weight of the structural member we can __________

(a) provide shortest and straightest possible load paths

(b) provide only straightest possible load paths

(c) provide only shortest possible load paths

(d) provide shortest and highly curved possible load paths

I had been asked this question at a job interview.

I'd like to ask this question from Configuration Layout topic in section Configuration Layout Considerations of Aircraft Design

Answer 1

The correct option is (a) provide shortest and straightest possible load paths

The best I can explain: In general it is required to locate opposing forces at the same location. We can reducing weight by doing so. However, it is not possible for every scenario. Hence, we need to provide some path through which we can connect these forces. These paths are load paths and by providing shortest and straightest possible load path we can reduce the weight.