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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 

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