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Introduction to aerospace materials

1.1 The importance of aerospace materials

The importance of materials science and technology in aerospace engineering cannot be overstated. The materials used in airframe structures and in jet engine components are critical to the successful design, construction, certification, operation and maintenance of aircraft. Materials have an impact through the entire life cycle of aircraft, from the initial design phase through to manufacture and certification of the aircraft, to flight operations and maintenance and, finally, to disposal at the end-of-life.

Materials affect virtually every aspect of the aircraft, including the:

• purchase cost of new aircraft;

• cost of structural upgrades to existing aircraft; ...