I am particularly interested in the Boeing 787 Fuselage because it is one of the first aircraft to carry such a high percentage of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP).
Can someone explain how the fuselage is made? I know the basics of making CFRP which include fibre being wrapped onto in mandrel in different orientations then heating in an autoclave to cure.
However, I also know that the whole fuselage is not produced in one piece. Pieces of the fuselage are produced then joined together.
- I would like to know the joining process works.
- Since it is not fabricated as a single piece there are bound to be stresses on the joints. Will it effect/endanger the passengers?
- What loads can it take since the joints will cause a drop in overall pressure (what is the maximum pressure if possible). I don't think its being welded together but not sure the reason.
- Are the same methods used to join the wings?
- Last but not least, are there problems due to the joints before and if so, what has been done to rectify these problems?