Abstract: A method for resistance welding first and second sheet metal elements together by placing a copper shunt between and in contact with a first sheet metal element and a third sheet metal element, the third sheet metal element being spaced apart from and connected to the first sheet metal element. Then placing a second sheet metal element in contact with the first sheet metal element along an interface between the first and second sheet metal elements and pressing a first electrode against the second sheet metal element, pressing a second electrode against the first sheet metal element, and passing a welding current between the electrodes through the copper shunt and welding the first and second sheet metal elements together along the interface.

Abstract: A basesheet for use in an aircraft gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle includes a plurality of basesheet segments extending between longitudinally extending spaced apart basesheet leading and trailing edges, respectively, of the basesheet. Right and left hand basesheet side edges, respectively, extend longitudinally between the basesheet leading and trailing edges. Each basesheet segment has a panel body defined between a pair of segment side edges longitudinally extending between segment leading and trailing edges, respectively. Stiffeners having leading and trailing edge ribs at the segment leading and trailing edges of aft and forward ones of the basesheet segments, respectively, extend widthwise across the panel body between the segment side edges. The leading and trailing edge ribs are joined together only at intermediate sections of the stiffeners which are centered between left and right hand expansion sections, respectively, of the stiffener.