How does temperature primarily affect aircraft materials?

Temperature has a significant impact on aircraft materials, primarily by altering their mechanical properties, which can lead to failure. As temperature increases or decreases, various materials can undergo changes in strength, ductility, and hardness. For instance, metals may become weaker and more malleable at high temperatures, while low temperatures can make materials more brittle and prone to cracking.

This change in mechanical properties is critical for aerospace applications, where materials must maintain their structural integrity under varying environmental conditions. If engineers do not account for these temperature-related changes, they risk failures that could compromise safety and performance. The ability for temperature to affect properties like yield strength and tensile strength is why materials are often tested over a range of temperatures to determine their suitability for specific applications in aircraft design and maintenance.