Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-l7hp2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-29T21:41:01.077Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Aircraft structures

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

G. A. O. Davies*
Affiliation:
Imperial College of Science, Technology and MedicineUniversity of LondonLondon, UK

Abstract

This article attempts to look forward in the field of aircraft structures, at what is likely to happen, and what current R&D is necessary to achieve this. It becomes clear that structural performance is always improving but that the main drivers are likely to be cost, both capital cost and in-service costs. The capital cost is likely to improve by reducing the design and development time as well as low-cost manufacturing. The use of all components of the synthetic environment are here playing an increasing role. The in-service costs will be reduced by more robust structures and better NDE to automate inspections and lengthen their intervals.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1996 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Technology Foresight — Progress through partnerships, Vol 12 Defence & Aerospace, Office of Science and Technology for HMSO, April 1995.Google Scholar
2. Jagger, D.H. Industrial research requirements for civil aircraft in aerospace partnership, Foresight Forum, Droitwich, Pub. Office of Science and Technology/Department of Trade and Industry, October 1995.Google Scholar
3. New World Vistas: Air and Space Power for 21st Century. USAF Scientific Advisory Board, Washington DC, December 1995.Google Scholar
4. Wood, R.D. and Bonet, J. A review of the numerical analysis of superplastic forming, J Matl Proc Tech, 1996, 60, pp 4553.Google Scholar
5. Lewis, R.W., Usmani, A.S. and Cross, J.T. An efficient method for mould filling simulation in metal casting, 8th Internationa; Conference on Numerical Methods in Thermal Problems, Swansea, 1993.Google Scholar
6. Cross, M. Multiphysics process modelling as a vital component of virtual manufacturing, Conference on Virtual Manufacturing, Royal Aeronautical Society, November 1996.Google Scholar
7. Davies, G.A.O. and ROBINSON, P. Debonding and delamination of composites, AGARD 74th Structures and Materials Conference, Patras, 1992.Google Scholar
8. Davies, G.A.O. and Zhang, X. Impact damage prediction in carbon composite structures, Int J Impact Engng, 1996, 16, pp 149170.Google Scholar
9. Soutis, C. and Curtis, P.T. Prediction of the post-impact compression strength of CFRP laminated composites, Comp Scien Tech, 1996, 56, pp 677684.Google Scholar
10. Lazarus, K.B. Saarman, E. and Agnes, G.S. An active smart material system for buffet load alleviation. SPIE Conference on Smart Structures & Materials, San Diego, March 1995.Google Scholar
11. Sutton, T.J., Elliot, S.J, Brennan, M.J. and Heron, K.H. Active isolation of noise transmission through a helicopter gearbox support strut using multiple magnetostrictive actuators, Proc ISMA21, Leuven, Belgian, September 1996.Google Scholar