Understanding Aircraft Structures

This book explains aircraft structures so as to provide a basic understanding of the subject and the terminology used, as well as illustrating some of the problems. It provides a brief historical background, and then covers parts of the aeroplane, loads, structural form, materials, processes, detail design, quality control, stressing, and the documentation associated with modification and repairs. The Third Edition has been updated and includes new sections on composite structures and materials, and on smart structures. The book is designed as an introduction for students taking higher certificate or degree courses in aeronautical engineering. It will also assist draughtsmen and licensed engineers to design air frame repairs or modifications which are acceptable to the CAA, FAA or other relevant airworthiness authorities. The author, John Cutler, is a consulting engineer, a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a Chartered Engineer.