Structural Materials in Aeronautics: Prospects and Perspectives

摘要

Recent developments in materials and their prospects of application in airframes and engines are reviewed, with particular attention to advances made in the UK. After dealing with the technical and cost considerations that govern material selection, the merits of fibre composites (with emphasis on carbon fibre reinforced plastics), titanium alloys, steels and aluminium alloys for airframe applications are examined. The benefits offered by fibre composites must now be assessed for specific applications in relation to recent developments in aluminium alloys, notably lithium-containing alloys and in the longer term alloys and steels are expected to fulfill an important but limited role in airframes. In the engine. titanium and nickel-base allous respectively will satisfy most compressor and turbine requirements, although some usage of ceramics is expected. It is concluded that new materials will be acceptable only if a clear understanding is achieved of the relationsip between composition, microstructure and material behaviour, the manufacturing route and quality control of the product.