Practical Use of Composite Materials Used in Military Aircraft

Abstract

The article presents a comparative characterization of the structural materials (composites and metals) used in modern aviation structures, focusing on the airframe structure of the most modern aircraft (Airbus A-380, Boeing B-787, and JSF F-35). Selected design and operational problems were analysed, with particular emphasis on composites and light metals (aluminium). For this purpose, the Shore’s method was used for the analysis of the obtained strength results and the programming environment (ANSYS, SolidWorks) required to simulate the GLARE 3 2/1-04 composite. The focus was on highlighting the differences in the construction and modelling of these materials resulting from their various structures (isotropy and anisotropy), e.g., by analyzing the mechanics of metal destruction and comparing it with the composite material. In terms of solving the problems of finite element analysis FEM, tests have been carried out on two samples made of an aluminium alloy and a fiberglass composite. The focus was on highlighting the differences in the construction and modelling of these materials resulting from their various structures (isotropy and anisotropy), e.g., by analyzing the mechanics of metal destruction and comparing it with the composite material. On the basis of the obtained results, the preferred variant was selected, in terms of displacements, stresses, and deformations. In the final part of the work, based on the conducted literature analysis and the conducted research (analysis, simulations, and tests), significant observations and final conclusions, reflected in practical applications, were formulated.