U.P. Breuer, S. Schmeer, U. Eberth

On top of major improvements in propulsion technology and in aerodynamics, step changes of the airframe structure efficiency are seen as key contributions in order to achieve the ambitious goals of next generation air transport vehicles. Efforts must concentrate on manufacturing cost reduction as well as on breakthrough-solutions for function integration. State of the art composite solutions for airframe structures offer a poor electrical conductivity compared to metal and the mass to structural performance ratio is very negatively impacted by additional elements needed to fulfil all required electrical functions for system integration (i.e. coping with direct and indirect effect of lightning strike, providing sufficient shielding of electric cables by metal raceways or overbraiding, implementing means for electrical bonding and grounding etc.). Integrating the electrical function into the load carrying function of the composite airframe structures would thus reduce additional masses (and cost) needed for electrical system installation. For this purpose, a new multifunctional composite material is investigated, consisting of carbon fibres and high-strength metal fibres of similar diameter embedded in an epoxy matrix. Investigations focus on electrical properties as well as the mechanical properties and the damage tolerance behaviour of the new composite. The objective is to improve the damage tolerance especially for thin structures, as the metal fibres offer large strain for plastic deformation during impact events.

Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2013, Stuttgart

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Luft- und Raumfahrt - Lilienthal-Oberth e.V., Bonn, 2013

Conference Paper

englisch

21,0 x 29,7 cm, 6 Seiten

urn:nbn:de:101:1-201312099813

composite airframe, multifunctionality

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06.12.2013