SEDL / STP / STP203-EB / STP46291S

The Rehabilitation of Fatigue-Weary Structure

Butler, J. P.
Supervisor, Boeing Airplane Co., Renton, Wash.

Pages: 18    Published: Jan 1957

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Abstract

The problem of extending the service life of structural joints which show signs of premature fatigue damage, such as small fatigue cracks at fastener locations, is investigated. This paper describes a visual inspection method and a rehabilitation procedure which can be used to extend the service life of these joints. The results of fatigue tests using these simple techniques are discussed and it is concluded that careful periodic inspections of critical locations in aircraft will result in the early detection of fatigue cracks and that these cracks can be effectively removed to insure an extended service life.