Feature

Is greener innovation in aerospace possible?

Current legislation, aimed at curbing emissions, is fuelling materials innovation for aerospace components and, as global standards get more stringent, the pace of change is quickening. Now is the time for design engineers to look beyond traditional choices, to prompt radical transition, urges Richard Thompson, Commercial Director of Alvant.

02/06/2021 11:34:00

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Composite materials have revolutionised the aviation industry. But while what has been achieved with the 787 is an incredible feat of engineering, using composites does present some engineering and maintenance challenges, as well as placing the issue
of sustainability under the spotlight.

Composites are also not delivering all the supposed guarantees: tales of patching composite structures and engineers overcompensating on calculations (due to a lack of knowledge of how composites behave in an airframe) highlight that
it isn’t a solution for every application.
Standard aircraft composite materials also have conductivity issues as they don’t conduct electricity and so, unlike aluminium, can’t prevent lightning from being directed to a plane's fuel tanks. This was initially
a problem for the 787, which was then corrected by incorporating wire mesh into the composite.

A lighter solution

So, what about potential alternatives? There is no obvious quick fix, but now is the time for design engineers to
look beyond traditional technologies and embrace long-term change. This means lighter weight materials that enhance capability and offer a good value alternative to materials that include carbon and polymer composites, steel, titanium, and aluminium...

Read the full article in the June issue of DPA

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.