Abstract
The loads to which airplanes are subjected are pretty well known so the stresses in various members can be calculated. A light structure is necessary, but strength and durability must be increased due to the demand for greater speed and more hours in the air. Metal has thus been called into construction to help the designer.
Some of the advantages from use of metal in airplane construction include ease of determining the strength of members, decreased fire hazard, less danger to passengers in case of a crash, and decreases in cost of production, labor, handling, bulk, and waste.
Use of aluminum alloys is increasing, and monocoque construction is becoming more popular. Methods of analyzing the stresses in various members are given in the paper.
