Fatigue life analysis of Al 8090 helicopter fuselage panels

Abstract: Considering the aerospace structures, the advantages of Al-Li alloys in comparison with conventional aluminium alloys comprise relatively low densities, high elastic modulus, excellent fatigue and toughness properties, and superior fatigue crack growth resistance. Unfortunately, these alloys have some disadvantages due to highly anisotropic mechanical properties and due to a very high crack growth rate for microstructurally short cracks. This could mean relatively early cracking in high stress regions such as rivet holes in helicopter fuselage panels. Consequently a more accurate approach in fatigue life analysis is requested. Considering that the 8090 T81 aluminium alloy has been widely used in an helicopter structure, in particular in the bolted connection between the stringers and the modular joint frame in the rear of the fuselage, it is extremely important to found a reliable procedure for the fatigue life assessment of the component. Thus, using the results of experi...