Originally posted by Blue Mako
Sorry funked, didn't read down far enough before I replied, see my post above.
Limit load is pretty much as you described. Once you exceed the limit load, damage may occur (which is why checks are carried out if it is ever exceeded).
If the ultimate load is exceeded, however, the aircraft can be expected to fail, not just bend. The materials used in aircraft usually fail soon after starting to deform, that is why you hardly ever see aircraft landing with bent airframes after exceeding the structural limits, they are usually smoking holes soon after reaching ultimate load.
Yeah you are right. I was thinking of a laboratory situation. In practice if you get into the plastic regime, the structure becomes unstable, and stuff breaks.
