DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR A STRUCTURAL FIBER GLASS AIRCRAFT COMPONENT.
Abstract
The report contains information on a development program to determine the practicability of glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) structures. Specifically, the program involved the design, development, fabrication, and evaluation of GFRP versions of horizontal stabilizers for the T-2A trainer airplane. The program consisted of four primary phases-material selection and processing development, component design, component fabrication, and structural tests. Four metal stabilizers for the T-2A aircraft were procured and identical tests were performed on both the GFRP and metal stabilizers so that a comparison of the important structural factors could be made. The results of the program indicate that GFRP primary airframe structures are practicable when compared with metal structures, but that the structural reliability of these structures is low because of failure to obtain consistently adequate strength at bonded joints. Much more development work is required in design, fabrication techniques, and quality assurance procedures to improve reliability. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0639319
Entities
People
- Charles L. Stotler
- D. Gene Worthington
- Lloyd E. Hackman