Resistance welding of primary aircraft structures

Kurzfassung

This study presents an experimental campaign focused on the integration of stiffening elements by means of static resistance welding. To demonstrate this technology in an industry-relevant application, a single-curved section of an aircraft fuselage was chosen as a reference platform. Both skin and stiffening elements are manufactured from carbon fiber-reinforced Low Melt Polyaryletherketone (CF LM-PAEK). The joint was initially validated by in-plane and out of plane loads. Two types of electrical conductors were investigated and compared; carbon fabric and metal mesh. The joints were examined by phased array ultrasonic inspection and intrusive microscopy.