MatE 171 THV

1st Semester 2019-2019

Instructions: Provide what is being asked in each case study. Write your answers in an A4-sized
bond paper. Do not forget to cite your references.

Deadline: August 22, 2019. 11:30 AM

Case Study 1: Comet aircraft was the first jet transport introduced into the commercial
passenger service in the early 1950s. It was known to be more superior to other propeller-driven
transports, making it capture a large share of the market for future transport planes fast. An
incident occurred, not long after it was introduced to service, where it resulted in the loss of
planes and lives of all aboard. It was reported that two planes of the Comet fleet, on climbing to
cruise altitude, underwent explosive decompressions of the fuselage. This mishap was revealed
to be caused by fatigue cracking of the fuselage at regions of high stress adjacent to corners of
more-or-less square windows.
(1) Give at least 1 possible cause of this fatigue loading.
(2) What would be the implications of these crashes to the jet transport/aircraft
industries?
(3) Suggest at least 2 preventive measures on how to avoid this accident to occur in the
future.

Case Study 2: A Boeing 737-200 of Aloha Airlines was reported to experience an explosive
decompression and structural failure at a level of 24,000 feet. Approximately, 18 feet of the
cabin skin and structure aft of the cabin entrance door and above the passenger floor had
separated from the airplane. The accident caused damaged beyond repair to the airplane and later
on it was dismantled and sold for scrap. Investigations revealed that the failure was initiated
along the fuselage skin longitudinal lap joint that had been “cold bonded”.
(1) Explain what is cold bonding process.
(2) What do you think is a reason why this bonding process was discontinued with the
production of B-737 airplanes?