ASSESSMENT OF AIRCRAFT STAIRWAY WELDS

摘要

The Materials Analysis Branch of ARL-WMRD was asked to provide technical support during a cursory investigation of suspect welds located on aircraft stairways located at Ft. Campbell, KY. A total of three stairways were inspected; one purchased by Ft. Campbell on a Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) contract, and two others (of slightly different design) purchased from the contractor directly. Worldwide, stairs manufactured by this contractor had been mothballed due to an accident in Hawaii where a welded panel gave way, leading to a toddler falling to the tarmac. The Air Force has inspected many of their assets, and found suspect welds. ARL was requested to inspect these three Army assets, and to provide an overall assessment of these weldments based on the results of the examination. It was determined that numerous deleterious welding defects existed on these aircraft stairways.