The application of composites in aerospace

Abstract

AbstractAfter the introduction of the advanced composite materials, i.e. carbon‐ and aramidfibre reinforced thermosets, in the late 60's, for a long time the application of these materials used to be considered a panacea for many problems in civil aircraft structures. After many years of trial and error, it is becoming clear that these materials most certainly contribute to better aircraft, but are not a miracle cure. And if there is a key role for composite materials, there is still a long way to go to the all composite (commercial) aircraft.The applications in the aerospace market started with components that used to be designed in glassfibre reinforced thermosets. Although the manufacturing technology was well known, the approach to designing in advanced composites changed in the sense, that the designs had to be optimized for minimum weight (to obtain lower DOC). Also the materials had to be recognized by the designer as being anisotropic (high allowable stresses in the fibre direction). Soon it became evident that also the material‐ and process technology had to be optimized for the advanced composites.Due to the cost involved in the manufacturing of highly loaded composite components, the design philosophy changed from design for minimum weight to (more or less) design for minimum cost. Also the service experience and resulting remarks from the operators, changed the design approach. The maturity of automated manufacturing will enable further cost reduction and after sufficient service experience with the components that are flying at this moment, the aircraft industry will be ready for the next step: the application of the advanced composite materials in primary, flight‐critical aircraft components. The close cooperation between the aerospace industry and the material suppliers will be an essential condition for success in the quest for a “better” aircraft.