What happens during turbulence in terms of wing loads?

During turbulence, wings experience dynamic changes due to variations in air pressure and flow around them, which can lead to increased upward bending. When an aircraft encounters turbulence, it can experience sudden changes in lift, resulting in fluctuating aerodynamic forces acting on the wings. These forces cause the wing structure to flex in response to the varying load.

As the aircraft rises and falls in turbulent air, the wings can bend upwards because they are encountering increased lift in certain sections, specifically during moments of upward turbulence. This upward bending is a natural response of the wing structure to maintain flight stability and integrity under varying load conditions.

It’s important to understand that while wings are designed to flex and withstand these loads, excessive bending can lead to structural fatigue over time. Therefore, recognizing that wings experience increased upward bending during turbulence helps in grasping the dynamic behavior of aircraft under flight conditions.