MMPDS Handbook - What? Why? And How? An FAA Perspective

The Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization (MMPDS) activity is a collaborative effort involving material and fastener producers, aircraft manufacturers, Department of Defense agencies, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The primary objectives are to develop and publish statistically based static design values for metallic aerospace materials and fasteners, and to publish other material property data (e.g. fatigue, fatigue crack growth, fracture toughness, corrosionresistance) that meets certain guidelines. To facilitate meeting the stated objectives, guidelines have been established for the development of design values and acceptance of other properties. The importance of the MMPDS effort to the FAA cannot be overemphasized. It greatly facilitates the type certification of new aircraft designs and approvals of subsequent modifications and repairs. Without the MMPDS, or an equivalent document, certifications and approvals would require much more time and effort on the part of both the FAA and industry.