Some Common Failure Modes in Aircraft Structures

3 Some Common Failure Modes in Aircraft Structures 

It is a well-known fact that failure of an aircraft component can have catastrophic consequences such as loss of precious life and aircraft. It is obvious from Table 7.3 that failures due to fatigue are predominant in aircraft components. When the component is no longer able to withstand the imposed stress, failure will occur. Thus failures are associated with stress concentrations which can occur due to  

The origin of the crack was located at a notch on the surface of the tube. In all likelihood the notch produced the required stress concentration in the surface of the tube, thereby reducing the initiation time of the crack. In all probability the notch in the surface of the tube occurred during manufacture. 

During service inspection corrosion of an upper surface wing panel containing an access door was observed. The panel and door were made from an alloy plate to which aluminum catches were attached for securing the door in the closed position. Stainless shims were fitted between the catches and the aluminum plate. 

Exfoliation corrosion occurs when the attack occurs along grain boundaries, particularly when they are elongated and form thin platelets. The voluminous corrosion product causes splitting of layers uncorroded material. 

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Some Common Failure Modes in Aircraft Structures Failure of an aircraft component can have catastrophic consequences such as loss of precious life and aircraft. Failure modes in aircraft are given in Table 5.7. 

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