Reviewer for Aircraft Construction in the Aeronautical Engineering board.
1
Aircraft Materials
| Material | Property |
|---|---|
| Aluminum alloy | Light, strong, common |
| Titanium | High strength-to-weight, heat resistant |
| Composites (CFRP) | Very light & strong |
| Steel | High strength, heavy parts |
๐ก Exam Hack
Modern aircraft favor composites and aluminum for the best strength-to-weight ratio.
2
Major Components
The airframe consists of the fuselage, wings, empennage (tail), and landing gear.
3
Assembly & Fasteners
Components are joined by riveting, bolting, welding, and bonding. Rivets are the classic skin fastener; inspection ensures structural integrity.
4
Why Aluminum?
Aluminum alloys dominate aircraft skins because they offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, resist corrosion, and are easy to form and repair.
๐ Quick Recap โ Master These
Before your exam, make sure you can confidently explain and apply each of the following:
- Aircraft Materials
- Major Components
- Assembly & Fasteners
- Why Aluminum?
Re-read any section above where you hesitate.