Alex,
1. Do you base static strength on Ftu ONLY?
No, I base the static strength on the ultimate load carrying capability of the structural member (i.e. skin panel per this post). As can be determined from reading all the above posts, there is more than one way to determine the actual ultimate "running" load of the panel. If I cannot determine the actual ultimate load carrying capability or if I am pressed for time, I will then resort back to using Ftu, knowing this is extremely conservative.
2. Do you ever do a damage tolerance analysis beyond the static strength analysis? Is the static analysis then forwarded to another DER who performs a DT analysis? It would appear that static strength alone is insufficient to show the acceptability of a repair.
Currently, I typically am involved with pre-ammendment 45 aircraft and therefore do not have to show compliance with 25-571 (b) {don't quote me on the actual FAR). I typically just have to meet the "fail-safe" requirements of 25.571 since that is what the aircraft was certified to. I can show that I meet fail-safe by either evaluating the original design, or the SRM. This will change in the future, since Congress and thus the FAA are driving us into basically making all a/c damage tolerant. However, when I do get the opportunity to work on a DT aircraft, I cannot provide the DT approval. Therefore, I either utilize the guidance of a pre-existing repair (i.e. SRM) or I limit my approval to one-year following the guidelines of AC 25.1529 and then submit to obtain the DT approval (typically the OEM).
3. Are all your static calculations hand-based? If not, what computer programs do you use? Do you use FEA?
Most of my calculations utilize classic "hand-based" structural analysis. I do utilize computer programs, such as ACAD Mass Properties, Virtual DER, excel (build a spreadsheet to do crippling analysis, etc). I do not use FEA software.
4. How does one become a structures DER, beyond the application to the FAA? Is any particular experience or educational level required?
The application and requirements are on the FAA website. In general you basically need 8 yrs experience in the area you are applying and have to prove that you are familiar with the FAR's and dealing with the FAA.
5. Yes, the 15% fitting factor you're describing is what I was talking about. When you write "tested allowables", do you mean that the FAR's require a 15% increase in Ftu if I don't obtain the joint allowables from the SRM or Mil-Handbook 5? Douglas training courses add the 15% regardless. Boeing training courses never do. That said, thanks for listing the FAR number, I'll look it up.
Look up the FAR, it provides the guidance you need.
6. When you can't find a joint allowable for a certain fastener/sheet material combination under single shear, do you find it acceptable to use Fbru * d * t (even though Fbru is based on double shear, with less eccentricity?) to determine the joint allowable, provided that the double-shear strength of the fastener is higher?
I do utilize Fbru * d * t as long as it is a protruding head fastener or the buck tail is against the sheet. I do not feel that Fbru * d * t is acceptable for countersunk fasteners.