New Materials for Next-Generation Commercial Transports

The major objective of this book was to identify issues related to the introduction of new materials and the effects that advanced materials will have on the durability and technical risk of future civil aircraft throughout their service life. The committee investigated the new materials and structural concepts that are likely to be incorporated into next generation commercial aircraft and the factors influencing application decisions. Based on these predictions, the committee attempted to identify the design, characterization, monitoring, and maintenance issues that are critical for the introduction of advanced materials and structural concepts into future aircraft.Table of ContentsFront MatterExecutive Summary1 Requirements and Drivers2 Structural Concepts3 Metallic Materials and Processes4 Polymetric Composite Materials and Processes5 Environmentally Compliant Materials and Processes6 Methodologies for Assessment of Structural Performance7 Aircraft Maintenance and Repair8 Nondestructive Evaluation9 Committee FindingsReferencesAppendix: Biographical Sketches of Committee Members