26th Congress of International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences
including the 8th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference
14 - 19 September 2008, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
Paper ICAS 2008-7.9.1 (AIAA 2008-8976 )
FLIGHT VEHICLE COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
E. Forster, S. Clay, R. Holzwarth, D. Pratt, D. Paul
AFR/WPAFB, USA
Keywords: FLIGHT VEHICLE, COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
To overcome obstacles for composites technology transition, air-framers embraced
changes in design and manufacturing methods to produce structures from various material
forms for which mechanical properties are ascertained after fabrication, rather than
assembly of materials for which these properties are inherent to their bulk state. Changes in
manufacturing processes were necessary to fully realize the promised composites
performance benefits. New analysis and design methods were necessary to assure
mechanical performance of assembled structures. These efforts have produced unitized
composite structure assemblies formed to complex shapes, with substantially reduced part
counts. Although the structural performance gains were the original goal, it is the outcome
of the design and manufacturing efforts that will enable unprecedented exploration of future
advanced aircraft.
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