Boron/Aluminum Skins for the DC-10 AFT Pylon.
Abstract
Four boron/aluminum aft pylon "boat tail" skins are designed and fabricated and three of them are installed on three DC-lO aircraft for a 5-year flight service demonstration test. The fourth skin is retained as a spare and all skins will be replaced at the end of the service period by their titanium counterparts. Inspection and tests of the exposed skins will establish the ability of the boron/aluminum composite to withstand long time flight service conditions, which include exposures to high temperatures, sonic fatigue, and flutter. The results of a preliminary testing program yield room temperature and elevated temperature data on the tension, compression, in-plane shear, interlaminar shear, bolt bearing, and tension fatigue properties of the oriented 11 ply boron/aluminum laminates and this information together with a stress analysis are used to obtain FAA approval. Present state-of-the-art technology (emphasizing low cost) was used in the fabrication of the skins and these are installed on the existing titanIum substructure with the same number of the same sized mechanical fasteners as are used for the present titanium skins. The boron/aluminum skins measure approximately 20.32 x 170.18cm (8 x 67 inches) and are 2.032mm (0.080 inch) thick. Although maximum weight saving was not sought, the 1.56Kg (3.45 lb) weight of the constant thickness boron/aluminum skin is 26% less than the chemically milled titanium skin.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA301579
Entities
People
- S. Y. Elliott
Organizations
- McDonnell Douglas