Introduction to Aerospace Materials

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Materials and material requirements for aerospace structures and engines

3.1 Introduction

It is not possible to fully understand the topic of aerospace materials without also understanding the aerospace structures in which they are used. The choice of aerospace materials is governed by the design, function, loads and environmental service conditions of the structure. Understanding aircraft structures allows aerospace engineers to select the most appropriate material. The materials used in safety-critical structures, which are structures that can result in loss of the aircraft when they fail, require high mechanical properties and excellent durability in the aviation environment. Examples of safety-critical structures are the fuselage, wings, ...