NASA Technical Reports Server (NASA) · 1991 · 22 citations · 1 references
Open access
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringMaterials EngineeringAerospace StructuresAircraft StructuresStructural EngineeringComposite Aircraft StructuresComposite MaterialsComposite StructuresFuselage DesignFuselage StructuresWing StructuresAircraft Structural DesignComposite Structural MaterialsComposite Wing StructuresCompressionDamage-tolerant DesignFuselage Composite StructuresResin Transfer MoldingWing Reinforcement
Achieving the objective is dependent upon developing composite materials and structures which are damage tolerant and economical to manufacture. The NASA Advanced Composites Technology program aims to provide technology for weight savings and performance improvements in composite primary aircraft structures, and researchers are investigating stitching reinforcement with resin transfer molding to meet this goal. Researchers are investigating stitching reinforcement combined with resin transfer molding to produce materials meeting the ACT program objective, focusing on materials, processes, and structural concepts for transport wings and fuselages, while establishing empirical guidelines for stitching reinforcement in heavy‑load structures. Evaluation tests show that stitching types, threads, and density affect tension strength, compression strength, and compression after impact, with data reported for these metrics.
The NASA Advanced Composites Technology (ACT) program has the objective of providing the technology required to obtain the full benefit of weight savings and performance improvements offered by composite primary aircraft structures. Achieving the objective is dependent upon developing composite materials and structures which are damage tolerant and economical to manufacture. Researchers are investigating stitching reinforcement combined with resin transfer molding to produce materials meeting the ACT program objective. Research is aimed at materials, processes, and structural concepts for application in both transport wings and fuselages, but the emphasis to date has been on wing panels. Empirical guidelines are being established for stitching reinforcement in structures designed for heavy loads. Results are presented from evaluation tests investigating stitching types, threads, and density (penetrations per square inch). Tension strength, compression strength, and compression after impact data are reported.
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