Advanced design for lightweight structures: Review and prospects

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Daniel F O Braga (Author) Other; Tavares, SMO (Author) FEUP; Lucas F M da Silva (Author) FEUP; Moreira, PMGP (Author) Other; Paulo Tavares de Castro (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Progress in Aerospace Sciences

Vol. 69

Pages: 29-39

ISSN: 0376-0421

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 25 Citations

Scopus - 51 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Mechanical engineering

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-MR1

DOI: 10.1016/j.paerosci.2014.03.003

Abstract (EN): Current demand for fuel efficient aircraft has been pushing the aeronautical sector to develop ever more lightweight designs while keeping safe operation and required structural strength. Along with light-weighting, new structural design concepts have also been established in order to maintain the aircraft in service for longer periods of time, with high reliability levels. All these innovations and requirements have led to deeply optimized aeronautical structures contributing to more sustainable air transport. This article reviews the major design philosophies which have been employed in aircraft structures, including safe-life, fail-safe and damage tolerance taking into account their impact on the structural design. A brief historical review is performed in order to analyse what led to the development of each philosophy. Material properties are related to each of the design philosophies. Damage tolerant design has emerged as the main structural design philosophy in aeronautics, requiring deep knowledge on materials fatigue and corrosion strength, as well as potential failure modes and non-destructive inspection techniques, particularly minimum detectable defect and scan times. A discussion on the implementation of structural health monitoring and self-healing structures within the current panorama of structures designed according to the damage tolerant philosophy is presented. This discussion is aided by a review of research on these two subjects. These two concepts show potential for further improving safety and durability of aircraft structures.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11