When it comes to the world's newest jetliners, composites would appear to have metals hammered. Boeing 787s and Airbus 350s, for instance, are now built with at least 50 percent composites, with lesser amounts of aluminum, titanium, steel and other metals. The advantages of polymer-composite aerospace structures are many: They weigh less than equivalent-strength aluminum, do not corrode or fatigue, require less maintenance: and reduce the need for drilled holes and parts. Composite parts generally cost more than equivalent metal parts, but that premium is decreasing. And the cost premium is offset by operating savings in fuel and maintenance. Here, Canaday looks at the "horse race" between metals and composites in the commercial aircraft industry.
COMPOSITES VS. METALS
Aerospace America ; 53 , 5
2015
Article (Journal)
English
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