Ryan Lawson Flashcards
What are some common corrosion mechanisms in aircraft structures?
Uniform corrosion, pitting, crevice corrosion, intergranular corrosion, exfoliation, and stress corrosion cracking.
How does pitting corrosion occur in aircraft structures?
Pitting occurs from small, localized breakdowns in the protective layer, forming deep pits.
What is stress corrosion cracking and its impact on aircraft safety?
SCC is brittle cracking due to tensile stress and a corrosive environment, potentially leading to sudden structural failures.
What preventive measures are used to prevent corrosion in aircraft?
Use of corrosion-resistant materials, protective coatings, regular cleaning and maintenance, sealants, and corrosion inhibitors.
How is corrosion detected in aircraft maintenance?
Through visual inspections, robotic inspections, infrared thermography and other non-destructive testing methods.
How does crevice corrosion occur in aircraft structures?
Crevice corrosion occurs in confined spaces, where stagnant moisture and contaminants cause localised attack.
What are the primary advantages of using aluminium-silicon alloys in aircraft manufacturing?
Aluminium-silicon alloys are highly valued in aircraft manufacturing for their excellent cast ability, high corrosion resistance, and good strength-to-weight ratio.
How does the addition of magnesium to aluminium-silicon alloys impact their mechanical properties for aerospace applications?
Adding magnesium to aluminium-silicon alloys enhances their mechanical properties, such as increasing their strength and hardness, making them more suitable for structural applications in aerospace.
What specific properties make aluminium-copper alloys particularly suitable for use in aircraft structures?
Aluminium-copper alloys are known for their high strength and excellent fatigue resistance, which are crucial for the structural integrity of aircraft.
In what ways does aluminium-silicon-magnesium alloy improve the overall performance and durability of aircraft components compared to pure aluminium?
The aluminium-silicon-magnesium alloy improves overall performance and durability by offering superior strength, better wear resistance, and enhanced thermal stability compared to pure aluminium.
Can you explain how aluminium alloys contribute to the reduction of aircraft weight and fuel consumption?
Aluminium alloys contribute to reducing aircraft weight due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, which in turn leads to lower fuel consumption and improved efficiency.
How does the microstructure of aluminum-silicon alloys influence their mechanical properties?
Finer silicon particles generally lead to increased strength and improved wear resistance.
What role does the macrostructure of aluminum-copper alloys play in their fatigue resistance?
A refined grain structure can enhance fatigue resistance by reducing stress concentrations and crack initiation sites.
What effect does the addition of magnesium to aluminium-silicon alloys, have on their properties?
This results in improved strength and hardness due to precipitation hardening.
In what way does the heat treatment process affect the macrostructure of aluminium-copper alloys and their resultant properties?
By promoting the formation of fine precipitates within the grains. This enhances their strength and hardness while maintaining good ductility.
