Definition
Sheet metal that has been formed with a series of parallel ridges and grooves to increase its rigidity and resistance to bending along the direction of the corrugations. In aircraft structures, corrugated metal is used as internal stiffening for skins, ribs, and webs, allowing thin lightweight material to carry significant loads without buckling.
Plain English
A flat metal sheet that has been bent into a series of small waves or ridges, which makes it much stiffer than a flat sheet of the same thickness and weight.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft structure and maintenance discussions when describing metal skins, panels, or parts shaped for added strength.
Derivation
From the Latin 'corrugare,' meaning 'to wrinkle' or 'to form into folds.' The wrinkled or ridged shape is exactly what gives corrugated metal its strength.
Why Pilots Care
Corrugated metal lets designers build strong structures from thin, light material. Recognising it helps a technician understand why some skins or ribs are shaped the way they are and why they must not be flattened or dented during repair.
Analogy
Think of a piece of paper. Flat, it bends easily. Fold it back and forth into a fan shape and it becomes surprisingly stiff. Corrugating metal works the same way.
Intuition Check
Corrugated does not mean damaged or accidentally wrinkled here. It means the metal was intentionally formed into ridges and grooves for strength and stiffness.
Example Sentence 1
The technician inspected the corrugated metal stiffeners inside the wing for cracks and corrosion.
Example Sentence 2
Corrugated metal panels were used on the fuselage to keep the aircraft light yet rigid.