The Design and Manufacture of a Transverse Floor Beam from Thermoplastic Composite Material-A Case Study

Abstract

In recent years the use of thermoplastic materials for primary aircraft structures has increased due to the benefits they offer in terms of reduced structural weight and improved payload. This work is a detailed assessment of the potential application of thermoplastic composites for a transverse floor beam. A number of beam sections were designed and manufactured from APC-2 material and subjected to a variety of tests. In all the areas investigated, significant developments have been made and important lessons learned.