Tag: building materials

Here are the answers to last Friday’s video, enjoy!

Suggested ICAO level for video: 5+

1. They’re engineered to withstand 1.5 times the most extreme forces they would meet in flight.
2. Aluminium was the standard material used by manufacturers in aircraft design for decades.
3. It was their choice because it is lighter and much cheaper than titanium, which was another possibility.
4. About 20% of a modern-day plane is pure aluminium.
5. Nowadays manufactures like to use composites, which are light, flexible, strong, and can be easily moulded into complex shapes.

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This week’s video describes how airplane manufacturers have strived to make their planes as light and as strong as possible. Watch the video to find out how it’s done.

Try to answer the following questions about the video and come back on Monday for the answers.

Suggested ICAO level for video: 5+

1. How strong are the wings of the 787?
2. What was the default material used by aircraft manufacturers to build planes for decades?
3. Why was this material the choice?
4. How much of this pure material is used in modern-day jets?
5. What is current aircraft manufacturers favourite building material?

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Have a great weekend!

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