Aircraft are constructed from a wide range of materials and assembled with specialized hardware designed to meet demanding strength, weight, and durability requirements. Aviation maintenance technicians must understand the properties of these materials and the functions of aircraft hardware in order to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft safely and effectively.
Metallic materials used in aircraft include both ferrous and nonferrous alloys, each selected for specific characteristics such as strength, corrosion resistance, heat tolerance, and workability. These materials often undergo processes such as forming, machining, and heat treatment to achieve the properties required for aircraft structures and components. Nonmetallic materials are also widely used in aircraft for seals, insulation, and other applications.
Aircraft hardware includes bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, and other fasteners that join structural parts and systems together. Proper identification, selection, installation, and safetying of these components are essential because the reliability of an aircraft often depends on the correct use of hardware. Maintenance personnel must also understand torque requirements and the differences between standard and special fasteners.
A solid knowledge of aircraft materials, hardware, and manufacturing processes helps technicians perform maintenance tasks accurately and according to approved standards. The following series introduces the properties, treatment, applications, and installation practices associated with common aircraft materials and hardware.
Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes Series
1. Properties of Metals
Overview of the physical and mechanical properties of metals used in aircraft construction.
View Topic →2. Ferrous Aircraft Metals
Study of ferrous metals and alloys commonly used in aircraft applications.
View Topic →3. Nonferrous Aircraft Metals
Introduction to nonferrous metals and their uses in aircraft structures and systems.
View Topic →4. Metalworking Processes
Common processes used to shape, form, and work aircraft metals.
View Topic →5. Heat Treatment of Ferrous Metals
Methods used to heat treat ferrous metals to improve their properties.
View Topic →6. Heat Treatment of Nonferrous Metals
Heat treatment procedures used for nonferrous aircraft metals and alloys.
View Topic →7. Precipitation Heat Treating and Annealing of Aluminum Alloys
Processes used to strengthen or soften aluminum alloys for aircraft use.
View Topic →8. Heat Treatment of Aluminum Alloy Rivets, Magnesium Alloys and Titanium
Heat treatment practices for rivets, magnesium alloys, and titanium materials.
View Topic →9. Hardness Testing
Methods used to measure the hardness of aircraft metals and materials.
View Topic →10. Nonmetallic Aircraft Materials
Overview of nonmetallic materials used in aircraft construction and maintenance.
View Topic →11. Aircraft Seals
Types and applications of seals used in aircraft systems and components.
View Topic →12. Aircraft Bolt
Identification, characteristics, and uses of aircraft bolts.
View Topic →13. Aircraft Nuts
Overview of aircraft nuts and their function in securing assemblies.
View Topic →14. Aircraft Washers
Types and uses of washers in aircraft hardware installations.
View Topic →15. Installation and Safetying of Nuts, Washers, & Bolts
Procedures for properly installing and safetying common aircraft hardware.
View Topic →16. Fastener Torque
Torque requirements and correct tightening practices for aircraft fasteners.
View Topic →17. Aircraft Rivets
Types, uses, and installation principles of aircraft rivets.
View Topic →18. Mechanically-Expanded Rivets
Overview of mechanically-expanded rivets and their applications.
View Topic →19. Special Shear and Bearing Load Fasteners
Special fasteners designed to carry shear and bearing loads in aircraft structures.
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