Abstract:
Present methods of contour etching used by aircraft manufacturers
in England and America are described and compared. Experiments to
develop a production technique are described and factors controlling the
process and product are discussed. There is no significant change in
the tensile strength even when some 80 per cent of the original thickness
is removed. It is doubtful if the etching process 'per se' reduces
fatigue strength and the difficulties of making an analysis of effects
on a clad material are discussed.
The considerable advantages of the process in the production of
aircraft are shown in some detail.
