Modern airplanes don’t consist of a single, large body or fuselage. Rather, they typically feature multiple sections separated by bulkheads. Some of these bulkheads provide structural integrity, whereas others do not. Regardless, most commercial airliners — as well as other large airplanes — have several bulkheads.
Bulkheads Explained
A bulkhead is a physical partition that separates two inner spaces. In airplanes, they typically run perpendicular to the fuselage. If you look at an airplane during production, you would probably notice several oval-shaped frames throughout the fuselage. These are bulkheads. They create separate interior spaces.
Bulkheads are available in the following materials:
- Aluminum alloys
- Titanium
- Composites
- Honeycomb
Structural vs Non-Structural Bulkheads
Bulkheads can be classified as structural or non-structural depending on whether they are designed to carry loads. Structural bulkheads are load-bearing partitioning walls that provide structural integrity. They reinforce the airplane’s fuselage while simultaneously protecting the fuselage from bending and deforming.
Non-structural bulkheads, on the other hand, are not designed to carry loads. They are used strictly for partitioning purposes. Non-structural bulkheads are commonly used to separate seat classes.
First class and business class seats, for instance, are often separated by a non-structural bulkhead. Business class and economy seats may also be separated by a non-structural bulkhead. They don’t provide structural integrity. Instead, these bulkheads simply separate the different class seats in airplanes.
The Importance of Structural Bulkheads
Structural bulkheads are particularly important for airplanes because they provide strength and integrity. Airplanes are exposed to extreme aerodynamic forces. During takeoffs, the fuselage will be exposed to rapid acceleration. After becoming airborne, air resistance will act on the airplane.
Forces such as these can take a toll on an airplane’s fuselage. If the fuselage is weak, it may bend or otherwise deform under these forces. Structural bulkheads help to protect against such damage by reinforcing the fuselage.
Another reason structural bulkheads are important is because they handle pressurization. Most airplanes have pressurized cabins. When climbing to a higher altitude, the cabin pressure will increase to create a safe and comfortable environment or passengers. When descending to a lower altitude, the cabin pressure will decrease.
Bulkheads are designed to withstand these pressurization-depressurization cycles. They allow the cabin to expand when pressurized and contract when depressurized — all without damaging or degrading the cabin’s structural integrity. Hopefully, this will give you a better understanding of aircraft bulkheads and why they are used.
