Frameless Transparencies for Aircraft Cockpit Enclosures.
Abstract
This patent application is for a frameless aircraft cockpit enclosure comprising transparent panels of polycarbonate or other plastics of varying thickness and material properties. The edges of the transparent panels are made thicker than the rest of the panels to engage aircraft canopy and windshield arch sections and aircraft sill structures to thus eliminate prior art frames and edge reinforcements. Fibers may be embedded in the thicker edges to add strength. The material properties of the transparent panel may be varied to provide higher static load strength near aircraft sill structures and higher dynamic load strength and plastic behavior near the center of a canopy where bird impact may occur. The material properties of the panel may also be varied to minimize over a pilot's head or near aircraft critical equipment the amplitude of a flexure wave in an aircraft transparency resulting from a bird impact. Direct forming method, such as injection molding, are discussed as a means for making the frameless aircraft transparencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADD012155
Entities
People
- William R. Pinnell
Organizations
- United States Department of the Air Force