A Vision on the Development of More Efficient Aircraft Structures

Growing competition on the aeronautical market is leading aircraft manufacturers to invest in new technologies resulting in more efficient products.  One of the high potential products for better efficiency is the airframe (aircraft structure).  An optimized airframe results in a reduction on weight, manufacturing and maintenance costs. The latest commercial programs show a continuous growing of CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers) applications in airframes. However, advanced metallic materials combined with new manufacturing processes still have great potential for contribution toward a more efficient airframe. An optimum balance between both materials and suitable damagetolerant design and analysis criteria must be found.