Professional Documents
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PTC Handouts Only
PTC Handouts Only
PTC Handouts Only
and Defence
Professor Paul T.Curtis FIMMM, FRAeS
Technical Manager
Dstl Senior Fellow
Presentation to
"Composite Materials"
for Aerospace, Defence and Security Applications
University of Glasgow
Wednesday 5th December 2007
Advanced Materials
Smart Materials, Design and Modelling
Composite Materials, Environmental Issues
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
Performance Benefits
In terms of strength and stiffness for weight they outperform any other
engineering material
Strength - greater than strongest metals, Stiffness - similar to steel
Density - light weight - half aluminium, fifth steel
Even in conservative designs, 30% weight saving is easily achievable
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
1990s
First flight Eurofighter
Composite propeller blades in service
Aeroengine structures
Satellite structures
Lightweight military vehicles (CAV100)
2000s
EH101/Merlin in service
Eurofighter in service
C130J tail and propellers
Low cost fabrication routes developed
A400M composite wing and propellers
ACAVP armoured vehicle demonstrator
Joint Strike Fighter
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
V22
50
Typhoon
40
B2
% PCM
JSF
30
F22
A400(M)
Rafale
AV8B/GR5
Gripen
20
EAP
10
F18
C17
F14
0
1965
1970
Mirage 2000
F16
F15
Tornado
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
Date
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
Harrier
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
Must consider
new materials (both development and offthe-shelf types)
new design and manufacturing options,
including the Through Life Capability
Management (TLCM) for different
configurations
X45 courtesy of
Boeing
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
Boeing Darkstar
UCAV Issues
Size
Performance
F-16
F-117
Stealth
Through shaping in design
and use of LO materials
66 ft.
X45 UCAV
Support Issues
Boxed around ? - Awareness of storage issues
Low flying hours, less repair issues ?
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
X47A Pegasus
Courtesy of NorthropGrumman
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
Composite Armour
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
Law 80
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
Environment
Weight Reduction
Environmental stability - temperature, moisture, long term exposure & solvents
Compatibility of composites & metals. Poor design can lead to galvanic corrosion.
Structural design
Conclusions
Composite Materials properties are outstanding
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007
19 December 2007
Dstl 2007