Fiber Metal Laminates for Lower Wing Skins – Characterization, Manufacturing Trials and Preliminary Design Studies

Fiber Metal Laminates (FML) exhibit excellent fatigue crack growth resistance which makes these hybrid materials particularly interesting for lower wing skin structures. Existing trade studies indicate, that a metallic wing box with an FML lower wing skin is offering an excellent cost/performance –balance.

This paper presents promising results of the early R&D phase of this concept, including the screening of feasible FML grades, static and fatigue properties, splicing concepts, and manufacturing demonstrations for a double curved lower wing skin panel. Also, a preliminary structural wing design study is presented which shows significant weight savings and F&DT improvements compared to conventional wingbox structures.