Attaching Skins to Airframes
Attaching Skins to Airframes
(OP)
Where can I find information on attaching aluminum skins to a frame? This frame will be in the air stream. I would like to fine the different methods for attachment and about any corrosion issues.





RE: Attaching Skins to Airframes
STF
RE: Attaching Skins to Airframes
RE: Attaching Skins to Airframes
Nigel Waterhouse & Associates
Aeronautical Consulting Engineers
Transport Canada and F.A.A approval & certification of fixed and rotor wing aircraft alterations: Structures, Systems, Powerplants and electrical. FAA PMA, TC PDA.
n_a_waterhouse@hotmail.com
RE: Attaching Skins to Airframes
RE: Attaching Skins to Airframes
Aluminum materials such as a 2024 dural would traditionally be attached by fasteners such as rivets or bolts.
As pointed out already, there are many design issues to take into account when selecting joining methods such as static strength and fatigue etc. There is some good design consideration information on the FAA site, try searching for the Repair Assessment Program (RAPID) software and traditional texts such Mil-Handbook-5 would also be helpful.
Metal to metal bonding is also very common - basically an adhesive (such as Redux) that is cured under heat and pressure. Good manufacturing technique, but difficult to repair in primary structure.
All standard text book stuff.