Study of Advanced Structural Concepts for Fuselage.
Abstract
This report presents the results of a study conducted to develop advanced structural concepts and the application of fiber-reinforced composite materials for the Cobra AH-lG helicopter tail section. This study comprised the following tasks: (1) analysis of existing AH-1G metal tail section to determine areas having highest potential structural improvement, (2) development and preliminary design studies of various advanced structural concepts and selection of three concepts for preliminary design trade-off study, (3) determination of parameters affecting cost effectiveness and performance of composite fuselage structure, (4) sensitivity analysis for reducing tail-section life-cycle costs, and (5) development of a math model for life-cycle costs and performance of composite fuselage, and utilization of model to recommend the optimum design. The following structural concepts were selected for preliminary design study: (1) monocoque sandwich clamshell, (2) thin sandwich shell with longerons and frames, and (3) integrally molded skin/stringer clamshell. The study results recommend the monocoque sandwich clamshell as the optimum design concept.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA307185
Entities
People
- Sidney C. Swatton
Organizations
- Boeing Rotorcraft Systems