7 COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND AEROSPACE CONSTRUCTION Aeronautical constructors have been looking for light weight and robustness from composites since the earlier times.As a brief history: In 1938,the Morane 406 plane (FRA)utilized sandwich panels with wood core covered with light alloy skins. In 1943,composites made of hemp fiber and phenolic resin were used on the Spitfire (U.K.)airplane. Glass/resin has been used since 1950,with honeycombs.This allows the construction of the fairings with complex forms. Boron/epoxy was introduced around 1960,with moderate development since that time. Carbon/epoxy has been used since 1970. Kevlar/epoxy has been used since 1972. Experiences have proved that the use of composites allows one to obtain weight reduction varying from 10%to 50%,with equal performance,together with a cost reduction of 10%to 20%,compared with making the same piece with conventional metallic materials. 7.1 AIRCRAFT 7.1.1 Composite Components in Aircraft Currently a large variety of composite components are used in aircrafts.Following the more or less important role that composites play to assure the integrity of the aircraft,one can cite the following: Primary structure components (integrity of which is vital for the aircraft): 2003 by CRC Press LLC7 COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND AEROSPACE CONSTRUCTION Aeronautical constructors have been looking for light weight and robustness from composites since the earlier times. As a brief history:
In 1938, the Morane 406 plane (FRA) utilized sandwich panels with wood core covered with light alloy skins.
In 1943, composites made of hemp fiber and phenolic resin were used on the Spitfire (U.K.) airplane.
Glass/resin has been used since 1950, with honeycombs. This allows the construction of the fairings with complex forms.
Boron/epoxy was introduced around 1960, with moderate development since that time.
Carbon/epoxy has been used since 1970.
Kevlar/epoxy has been used since 1972. Experiences have proved that the use of composites allows one to obtain weight reduction varying from 10% to 50%, with equal performance, together with a cost reduction of 10% to 20%, compared with making the same piece with conventional metallic materials. 7.1 AIRCRAFT 7.1.1 Composite Components in Aircraft Currently a large variety of composite components are used in aircrafts. Following the more or less important role that composites play to assure the integrity of the aircraft, one can cite the following:
Primary structure components (integrity of which is vital for the aircraft): TX846_Frame_C07 Page 135 Monday, November 18, 2002 12:17 PM © 2003 by CRC Press LLC