METHODS OF MAKING SKIN PANELS FOR AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES BY MACHINING AND EXPLOSEVE FORMING

摘要

Methods for making skin panels suitable for use in aircraft structures and fuel tanks structures, such as fuselages and reusable launch vehicle propellant tanks. A first method includes the following steps: machining a starting plate to a final part geometry; and explosive forming the machined plate to at least one of a uniaxial curvature and a biaxial curvature. A second method includes the following steps: explosive forming a starting plate to at least one of a uniaxial curvature and a biaxial curvature; and machining the curved plate to a final part geometry. Accordingly, the invention enables making integrally stiffened unitized axial load carrying skin panels that are either uniaxially or biaxially curved.