Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 July 2016
A Definitive history of materials in aviation has not yet been written, and the present contribution makes no claim to fill the gap. It presents a mainly individual impression of significant stages in the development of the materials which have been used for the structures of aircraft from the beginning of practical aviation to the present time. The subject is limited to heavier-than-air machines.
The basic requirement for the structural material of an aircraft is strength with lightness. A host of other properties is significant, and in some circumstances is of critical importance.
1 C. H. Gibbs-Smith. The Aeroplane: an historical survey of its origins and development. HMSO 1960.
2 Aircraft Production, Vol. 5, 1943. Page 267. Fig. 13.
3 Aircraft Production, Vol. 5, 1943. Page 321. Fig. 48.
4 C. F. Jenkin. Aeronautical Research Committee: Report on Materials of Construction used in Aircraft Engines. HMSO 1820.
page 115 note * College of Aeronautics Memo Aero No. 58, December 1964 and February 1965.
page 116 note * Leonardo da Vinci. Sul Volo degll Uccelli, folio 8(7) and I. B. HART. Leonardo da Vinci as a Pioneer of Aviation, Journal of the Royal Aeronautical Society, Vol. 27, 1923, page 264.
page 116 note † M. Langley: Metal Aircraft Construction, 1932, Fig. 5, p 24.
page 118 note * The Journal, Vol. 67, p. 689.
page 118 note † Institute of British Foundrymen. Vol. XLI. Proceedings 1947-48. Steel Castings for Aircraft by E. J. Brown and F. Rodgers, page A96.