Abstract: A fuselage structure comprises a plurality of elements that in longitudinal direction are interconnected by weld joints; a plurality of circumferential ribs that are connected to the plurality of elements and that extend so as to be substantially perpendicular in relation to the longitudinal direction of the elements; and a plurality of clips that are arranged between the elements and the ribs such that said clips do not cover the respective weld joints.

Abstract: A fuselage structure comprises a plurality of elements that in longitudinal direction are interconnected by weld joints; a plurality of circumferential ribs that are connected to the plurality of elements and that extend so as to be substantially perpendicular in relation to the longitudinal direction of the elements; and a plurality of clips that are arranged between the elements and the ribs such that said clips do not cover the respective weld joints.

Abstract: A device for clamping at least two components for use in friction stir welding supports the components and holds the components in place using a plurality of channels placed under vacuum for clamping of the components during friction stir welding. Both sides of a welding backup plate may have a mounting device including the vacuum channels, for example. The mounting device may have a contoured support surface for supporting components with a simple or complex surface curvature, allowing the same device to be rapidly configured to a plurality of component types with varying surface curvatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping at least two components 17, 18, in particular components 17, 18 for aircraft, in order to join the components 17, 18 by means of a weld seam 22 formed between two component edges 20, 21 via friction stir welding, wherein the components 17, 18 each are accommodated by several supporting elements 6-16, and a welding backup plate 3 is arranged under the weld seam 22. According to the invention, both sides of the welding backup plate 3 each have at least one mounting device 4, 5 that can be exposed to a vacuum for securing the components 17, 18. The mounting devices 4, 5 that can be placed under a vacuum enable the rapid and easy clamping of components 17, 18 for purposes of joining via the known friction stir welding process.