Problems Relating to the Use of Sheet Metal in Airplane Construction

Citation

Sechler, Ernest Edwin (1930) Problems Relating to the Use of Sheet Metal in Airplane Construction. Master's thesis, California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/RP44-R311. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-10142005-081946

Abstract

Sheet metal as used in present airplane construction may have two separate and distinct functions. The first of these is merely to supplant fabric or other covering material on the airplane. The structure of the airplane is not altered and the load is completely taken by the framework. The added strength and durability of this type of covering is usually connected with an increase in weight which makes the practice uneconomical. This use of metal is not a very serious design problem since it is only used as a covering and fairing and its strength is not included in the calculated strength of the structure.

Secondly, the sheet metal can be designed so it will take part or all of the loads on the airplane. It is this use of sheet metal, and its attendant problems, that will be discusssed here. Those problems that have been solved will be mentioned first and those yet undetermined will then be outlined. To be solved the answer to a problem must be in such a form as to be available and understandable to the average airplane designer without the use of long and intricate mathematical calculations. This means that those problems are solved which could be incorporated in a handbook for designers and those which could not be so incorporated are not solved for the designer.

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