INNOVATIVE STIFFENING CONCEPTS FOR THERMOPLASTIC BEAMS AND PANELS

摘要

Up to now most primary composite airframe components are made of thermoset materials. However, there is an increasing interest to use thermoplastic materials instead of thermoset materials. One of the main reasons is that thermoplastics have superior toughness properties compared to thermoset materials resulting in lightweight damage tolerant structural components. Within this scope NLR started a research programme into co-consolidation techniques for innovative stiffened thermoplastic panels of carbon fibre reinforced PEKK. The objective of the programme was to demonstrate the feasibility of innovative stiffening concepts for beams, ribs and panels. The paper will present the new innovative concept for stiffening beams and panels and will highlight results of the manufacturing trials followed by the results of several test campaigns.