Question

Describe how Aluminium can corrode or degradein Aircraft Fuselage.

And methods for avoid degradation in Aircraft Fuselage.

Answer 1

Question: How Aluminum can corrode or degradation the Aircraft Fuselage?

Answer: Metal Aluminum tends to cause corrosion, but it is not to be called as rust (as we call in the case of Iron & Steel). This Aluminum corrosion is called as "Aluminum Oxide". In fact, this Aluminum Oxide is a very hard material and protects the Aluminum from any further corrode.

Aircraft Fuselage is made with metal Aluminum. Aluminum can degradation in Aircraft Fuselage because it will react or corrode with acid/water when it is first manufactured. The reaction or corrosion occurs when the aluminum is left in the air during fresh manufacturing of aircraft. This corrosion is called Aluminum Oxide. This is a very thin layer approximately 0.002 mm (2 microns) and cannot be visible for normal sight. Though this is thin, but is enough for causing corrosion in the course of time (say 20 years). Another reason is "pitting" which is called "small areas of corrosion on the surface", which cause the small "pits" and these are not visible to normal sight. Also there are other corrosion for aircraft degradation, but here the discussion is for Aluminum Corrosion". So, the rest of corrosions are ignored at this point.

Question: Describe the methods to avoid degradation in Aircraft Fuselage:

Answer:

• To improve the safety of aircraft from aluminum corrosion is - to intensify the inspection and maintenance schedules.
• Implementation of Structural Health Monitoring System,

Structural Health Monitoring System includes the following:

1. Vibration mode monitoring system,
2. Lamb Waves,
3. Fiber Optic Sensoring System,
4. Surface Coverings (with Primer and Top Coats),
5. Base the airplane at the dry location of the country,
6. Corrosion Treatment,
7. Ultrasonic System,
8. High frequency wave propagation techniques,
9. Acoustic emission system,