Joining of aerospace materials – an overview

Welding and bonding of aerospace structures is receiving renewed interest because of increasing international pressure to reduce manufacturing costs and lead times, and because of improvements in joining processes. This paper introduces the current use of joining in aircraft manufacturing and describes improvements in techniques that are leading to the current drive to introduce more welding technology into the manufacturing process. Topics covered include most joining processes (arc, power beam and friction welding, diffusion and adhesive bonding) for metallic structures and brazing and bonding processes for composite materials. With considerable attention being directed to the welded aircraft worldwide, the authors predict significant developments in the next few years leading to new designs and manufacturing practices in what has been a conservative industry.