Applications in aircraft construction

Current civil aircraft applications have concentrated on replacing the secondary stracture with fibrous composites where the reinforcement media have either been carbon, glass, Kevlar or hybrids of these. The matrix material, a thermosetting epoxy system, is either a 125 °C or 180 °C curing system with the latter becoming dominant 

Composites have been used in BeU helicopters (Dallas Fort Worth, Texas) since the 1980s following their advanced composites airframe programme when they were able 

Many of the materials, processes and manufacturing methods discussed earlier in the chapter have been implemented in their construction. Another interesting relatively new field of development in the military aircraft sphere is that of stealth , a concept that requires the designer to achieve the smallest possible radar cross-section to reduce the chances of early detection by defending radar sets. The essential compound curvature of the airframe with constant change of radius is much easier to form in 

Carbon fibre composites are here to stay in terms of future aircraft construction since significant weight savings can be achieved. For secondary structures, weight 

Design and manufacture of composite components for aerospace structures 

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The amine cure of Hexcel 8552 epoxy resin, for use as the matrix in carbon fibre-reinforced composites for application in aircraft construction, was monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy. This technique was validated by comparison of the results with those obtained by modulated DSC. 18 refs. 

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