Introduction to Aerospace Materials

5

Mechanical and durability testing of aerospace materials

5.1 Introduction

The selection of materials for aircraft structures and engines is assessed according to a multitude of parameters such as cost, ease of manufacture, weight and a host of other factors. Central to the selection of materials is their mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, fatigue resistance and creep performance. The durability properties of structural and engine materials in the aviation environment is also critical to their selection. Metals must be resistant to corrosion and oxidation whereas fibre–polymer composites must resist absorbing an excessive amount of moisture from the atmosphere. Aerospace materials should be durable enough to resist degradation ...