In aerospace assembly, why is a specific torque value critical before securing with lockwires or cotter pins?

A specific torque value is critical before securing components with lockwires or cotter pins primarily to ensure operational safety. In aerospace assembly, proper torque ensures that fasteners achieve the correct tension, which prevents loosening under vibration or operational stresses that aircraft experience during flight. If fasteners are not tightened to the specified torque, it can lead to parts vibrating loose, resulting in mechanical failure, potential safety hazards, and jeopardizing the integrity of the aircraft. Lockwires and cotter pins are then employed as additional measures to secure these connections, but the initial torque specification is the first line of defense in ensuring that components remain securely fastened during all phases of operation.

The other options, while they may have some relevance in a broader context, do not capture the fundamental importance of torque in maintaining safety and reliability in aerospace applications.