The structural materials used in airframe and propulsion systems influence the cost, performance and safety of aircraft. This essential new book is intended for undergraduate students studying aerospace and aeronautical engineering, and is also a valuable resource for postgraduate students and practising aerospace engineers. The first three chapters of the book introduce the reader to aerospace materials. The next group of chapters go on to discuss the properties, production and metallurgy of materials for aerospace structures, followed by chapters on performance issues and recycling. The final chapter covers materials selection for aerospace structures and engines.

Key Features: reviews the main structural and engine materials used in aircraft, helicopters and space craft in terms of their properties, performance and applications; introduces the reader to the range of aerospace materials, focusing on recent developments and requirements, and discusses the properties and production of metals for aerospace structures; chapters look in depth at individual metals including aluminium, titanium, magnesium, steel and superalloys.

Contents: Introduction to aerospace materials; Aerospace materials: past, present and future; Materials and material requirements for aerospace structures and engines; Strengthening of metal alloys; Mechanical and durability testing of aerospace materials; Production and casting of aerospace metals; Processing and machining of aerospace metals; Aluminium alloys for aircraft structures; Titanium alloys for aerospace structures and engines; Magnesium alloys for aerospace structures; Steels for aircraft structures; Superalloys for gas turbine engines; Polymers for aerospace structures; Manufacturing of fibre-polymer composite materials; Fibre-polymer composites for aerospace structures and engines; Metal matrix, fibre-metal and ceramic matrix composites for aerospace applications; Wood in small aircraft construction; Fracture processes of aerospace materials; Fracture-toughness properties of aerospace materials; Fatigue of aerospace materials; Corrosion of aerospace metals; Creep of aerospace materials; Non-destructive inspection and structural health monitoring of aerospace materials; Disposal and recycling of aerospace materials; Materials selection for aerospace.