Multifunctional Carbon-Basalt hybrid composites against bird strike

Abstract

A bird strike is a common occurrence during an aircraft's takeoff and landing and is classified as a high-velocity impact, which can cause severe damage, a decrease in aerodynamic efficiency, and may lead to catastrophic failure. High strength composite materials are used in the wing structure to resist the bird strike. Stealth is an important factor for military aircraft, as it reduces the detectability range of the target. The current aircraft wing structure incorporates different systems to perform various functions, so a composite wing capable of performing multiple functions of providing stealth while retaining its existing properties is required. The need for sustainable green materials has shifted the focus to natural materials, and hybridization is the way to improve the properties. The current study proposes a multifunctional hybrid carbon-basalt-polyaniline composite for aircraft wing skin that can absorb electromagnetic (EM) waves while maintaining its mechanical properties. A polyaniline with 5 % weight was found to be optimal, as the prepared sample has a dielectric loss tangent of 2.1396. The hybrid composite was simulated against a bird strike and a maximum deflection of −48.54 mm was observed for a thickness of 1.2 mm. The deflection behavior of the prepared composite was compared to several works, and a thickness of 3.6 mm was found to be optimal for a deflection of −28.97 mm. For a curved leading-edge profile, the observed deflection for 1.488 mm thickness was 580 mm. An all-composite wing model was designed and proposed having two ribs, one spar, and two stringers all modelled in carbon-basalt-PANI composite showing the maximum center point deflection of 450 mm. The prepared multifunctional hybrid composite has a high potential for use in aircraft wing skins due to its reasonable mechanical properties, good EM wave absorption, and ability to withstand bird strike.