Document Type
Unpublished Research Paper
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
The catastrophic crash of Air France Flight 4590 in the year 2000 disclosed huge flaws in the material used to manufacture the Concorde fuel tanks, Hiduminium RR58 (Aluminum 2618A). Although this alloy was selected due to its resistance to high-temperature, this research examines its thermal and mechanical vulnerabilities, especially in relation to Aluminum 7075-T3, a large-scale application of which in the Boeing 747 was widespread. By comparing tensile strength, thermal conductivity, fatigue life, and creep life, this research determines how Hiduminium RR58's over-aging susceptibility, thermal cycling degradation, and rupture due to impact were contributory causes to the disaster. The study has put into perspective the importance of materials selection in providing aviation security, particularly under devastating circumstances such as supersonic flight. Second, the study examines to what degree post-crash redesigns such as Kevlar reinforcement were aimed at alleviating such imperfections. This comparison of strength of Concorde's and Boeing 747's structure, this study is a promoter of high-performance alloys to achieve lasting aeronautical performance and safety.
Department
Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Recommended Citation
Singh, S., & Agarwal, K. (2025). Material vulnerabilities in aviation: A comparative study of Hiduminium RR58 in the Concorde [Unpublished manuscript]. Department of Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/amet-fac-pubs/1/
