Mechanics of Aircraft Materials

Case Study

Dr. Ly Hung Anh

Department of Aerospace Engineering – Faculty of Transportation Engineering
Airbus training document
 Three advantages of composite material :

1. Light weight
2. Corrosion resistance
3. A large impact on strength

Composites in the Aircraft Industry:

http://www.appropedia.org/Composites_in_the_Aircraft_Industry
The weight of aircraft components made
of composite materials are reduced by
approximately 20%

(Composites in the Aircraft Industry:

http://www.appropedia.org/Composites_
in_the_Aircraft_Industry)
 Composite materials :

1. Core materials: Polystyrene, polyurethane (urethane)

or polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

2. Reinforcement materials: fiberglass, Kevlar, and

carbon fiber (graphite).

3. Resins: Vinyl Ester, Epoxy.

Basics of Composite Construction:

http://www.exp-aircraft.com/library/alexande/composit.html
 Aluminium alloy : The most important cast aluminium alloy system is Al-Si,
where the high levels of silicon (4.0% to 13%) contribute to give good casting
characteristics. Aluminium alloys are widely used in engineering structures
and components where light weight or corrosion resistance is required.

Aluminium alloy versus Steel :

1. Aluminium alloys typically have an elastic modulus of about 70
GPa, which is about one-third of the elastic modulus of most
kinds of steel and steel alloys. Therefore, for a given load, a
component or unit made of an aluminium alloy will experience a
greater elastic deformation than a steel part of the identical size
and shape.
2. In general, stiffer and lighter designs can be achieved with
aluminium alloys than is feasible with steels.
3. An important structural limitation of aluminium alloys is their
lower fatigue strength compared to steel.
http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News.asp?NewsNum=2493
Composite in Boeing 787

http://www.1001crash.com/index-page-composite-lg-2.html