Advanced Composite Processes for Aerospace Applications

摘要

Advanced composite processes such as Fiber Placement (FP) and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) are being used with greater frequency in many new aircraft programs as well as in upgrades and modifications to existing aircraft. Advanced processes provide the opportunity to automate high cost operations, such as hand lay-up, and to produce parts with less variability; in addition, automated processes improve material utilization. One of the biggest advantages of advanced composite processes is the ability to fabricate large unitized structures that combine many pieces into one large structure. This unitization of parts significantly reduces the cost of the overall airframe through minimization of assembly costs, touch labor, part tracking and quality inspections.