The selection and utilization of materials in the design and construction of aircraft, including metals, composites, and plastics.
Material Science: Includes properties of materials, structure of materials, mechanical properties of materials, and various material groupings such as metals, composites, and ceramics.
Metals: Includes properties and characteristics of metals such as steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and their alloys.
Composite Materials: Includes properties, advantages, and disadvantages of composite materials used in aircraft construction such as carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, glass-fiber reinforced polymers, and advanced composites.
Fabric Materials: Includes properties and characteristics of fabric materials used in aircraft construction such as cotton, nylon, polyester, and their different types.
Adhesives and Sealants: Includes types of adhesives and sealants used in aircraft construction, their properties, and characteristics, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Welding and Joining Processes: Includes different types of welding and joining processes used in aircraft construction, such as spot welding, arc welding, resistance welding, and their applications.
Corrosion: Includes the causes and effects of corrosion on aircraft structures, and the methods and techniques used to prevent or mitigate corrosion.
Fatigue: Includes the causes and effects of fatigue on aircraft structures, and the methods and techniques used to prevent or mitigate fatigue failures.
Safety regulations: Includes knowledge of applicable standards for aircraft construction and knowledge of regulations that apply to these standards.
Aerodynamics: Includes knowledge of basic principles of aerodynamics such as wing lift, drag, and stall, and how these principles apply to aircraft materials and construction.
Structural Analysis: Includes knowledge of basic principles of structural analysis such as stress and deformation, and how these principles apply to aircraft materials and construction.
Manufacturing Processes: Includes knowledge of manufacturing processes used in aircraft construction such as forging, casting, machining, and forming processes, and how these processes affect material properties.
Quality Control: Includes knowledge of testing and inspection techniques used to maintain quality of aircraft materials and construction.
Repair and Maintenance: Includes knowledge of repair and maintenance techniques used to maintain and repair damaged aircraft structures, how these techniques affect material properties.
Sustainability: Includes knowledge of the sustainable use of aircraft materials, and construction methods that promote eco-friendly and sustainable development of the aviation industry.
Aluminum: Most commonly used material in the manufacturing of aircraft due to its light weight, ductility, and resistance to corrosion.
Titanium: A high strength and lightweight metal, that is used in the manufacture of aircraft engines and structural components.
Composites: Made from two or more materials that are combined to produce a stronger and lighter material. Carbon fiber and fiberglass are the two most commonly used composites in aviation.
Steel: Used in the construction of aircraft landing gears and other high stress components.
Magnesium: A lightweight metal used in the production of aircraft parts such as wheels, gearboxes, and engine components.
Non-metallic Materials: A wide range of non-metallic materials are utilized in the aircraft industry like plastics, rubber, and fabrics.
Honeycomb Structures: A lightweight, strong material that is commonly used in structural components of aircraft.
Wood: Early aircraft, such as the Wright Brothers' aircraft, were constructed using wood.