Top 15 Technologies
7.
Welded aluminum
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The UK's Cranfield College of Aeronautics and School of Industrial and Manufacturing Science (www.cranfield.ac.uk) is to investigate the possibility of using welded aluminum in aerospace structures. Aluminum is usually riveted, which brings weight and cost penalties and places the material at a disadvantage against composite materials. The ability to undertake welding to appropriate standards and automate it into the manufacturing process is the major challenge. Cranfield is to carry out the research program on behalf of the British Government's Department of Trade and Industry. Two particular areas will be under investigation: initial design parameters, and the structural integrity of the weld throughout its life. Cranfield may work with Russian organizations at which it believes some work has been carried out on the technology.
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