Composite materials, composite structures, composite systems

Abstract

The first part of the history of composites in aerospace emphasised materials with high specific strength and stiffness. This was followed by a quest for reliable manufacturing techniques that guaranteed sufficiently high fibre volume fractions in complex structural parts with reasonable cost. Further improvements are still possible leading, ultimately to an extension of the functionality of composite structures to non-mechanical functions. Reduction of material scatter and a more probability-based design approach, improved material properties, higher post buckling factors, improved crashworthiness concepts and improved NDI techniques are some of the evolutionary measures that could improve the performance of current composite structures. Modular design, increased co-curing, hybrid material structures, hybrid fabrication methods, innovative structural concepts and reduced development times are more revolutionary steps that could bring today’s solutions further. Manufacturing engineering is also important for achieving revolutionary change. Function integration such as embedded deicing, morphing,, and boundary-layer suction are among the next steps in weight and cost reduction, but now on the system level.