What could be a consequence of applying excess sealant?

Applying excess sealant can lead to increased weight, which is a critical consideration in aerospace aircraft design and performance. In aerospace applications, weight is heavily scrutinized because even small amounts can have significant impacts on fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and overall aircraft performance.

Using too much sealant can add unnecessary mass, which may affect the aircraft's balance and maneuverability. Additionally, the extra sealant may not contribute to enhanced sealing effectiveness, and in some cases, can cause issues such as sealant sagging or running, which may compromise the integrity of the sealing job. Therefore, it is essential to apply sealant according to the manufacturer's specifications to maintain optimal weight and performance characteristics.

In contrast, improved aerodynamics and better fuel containment are typically achieved by properly applying the correct amount of sealant. Excessive amounts do not inherently improve these factors and can actually result in the opposite effect, making the selection of the correct quantity critical in aerospace component assembly.