Safety risk in aircraft structural joints associated with the use of corrosion treatment

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of Corrosion Inhibiting Compounds (CICs) on the fatigue performance of riveted lap joints typically used in General Aviation (GA) aircraft. Extensive experience with the airlines and military has shown that CICs are able to provide substantial benefits for corrosion protection. But, with the CICs containing lubricating properties, it could create a risk that the structural fatigue life of joints could be affected by their use, and that cracking may occur in unanticipated time and locations. In this research, experimental works were conducted to identify the effect of CICs on fatigue life and failure modes of riveted lap joints. In addition, Finite Element analysis was employed to validate the mechanical response observed in the experiments of the joints treated and untreated with CICs. The outcomes were then used to identify the potential impact of using CICs on GA sector, an aging aviation sector with under-developed corrosion management programs, and a series of safety recommendations are proposed