Composite technologies - Atkins · Composite technologies Atkins offers unrivalled composite...
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Composite technologies Atkins offers unrivalled composite material experience, covering design and stress analysis; this is supported by our involvement with leading composite research programmes. Atkins develops tools and methods to improve design and analysis of composite structures, removing conservatisms and increasing accuracy. The use of composite materials for primary aircraft structures is increasing. This requires development of the analysis methods that underpin the understanding and use of these materials. Improved methods also result in reduced aircraft life-cycle costs and development times. Atkins has extensive experience in the development and application of policies, procedures, methods and tools for the analysis of stress in aircraft composite structural components. Atkins has delivered bespoke solutions to specific aircraft programmes as well as more generic methods development. Our team of engineers has also assisted in the specification for, and support to, materials testing. Atkins’ composite experience includes: • Next Generation Composite Wing programme • A400M composite spar tool development • Panel buckling under out-of-plane loading • Crack growth in composite stiffened panels • Damage tolerance under edge impact loading • A350 XWB composite wing cover panel manhole analysis • A350 material coupon test specification • Bolted joint shear test support • A350 XWB composite wing cover panel structural optimisation • Shear panel buckling test support • Angle bend test support • NH-90 sliding door and landing gear sponson • Composite light opening doors for the Joint Strike Fighter
Transcript of Composite technologies - Atkins · Composite technologies Atkins offers unrivalled composite...
Composite technologiesAtkins offers unrivalled composite material experience, covering design and stress analysis; this is supported by our involvement with leading composite research programmes.
Atkins develops tools and methods to improve design and analysis of composite structures, removing conservatisms and increasing accuracy.
The use of composite materials for primary aircraft structures is increasing. This requires development of the analysis methods that underpin the understanding and use of these materials. Improved methods also result in reduced aircraft life-cycle costs and development times.
Atkins has extensive experience in the development and application of policies, procedures, methods and tools for the analysis of stress in aircraft composite structural components. Atkins has delivered bespoke solutions to specific aircraft programmes as well as more generic methods development. Our team of engineers has also assisted in the specification for, and support to, materials testing.
Atkins’ composite experience includes:
• Next Generation Composite Wing programme • A400M composite spar tool development• Panel buckling under out-of-plane loading• Crack growth in composite stiffened panels• Damage tolerance under edge impact loading• A350 XWB composite wing cover panel manhole analysis• A350 material coupon test specification• Bolted joint shear test support• A350 XWB composite wing cover panel structural optimisation• Shear panel buckling test support• Angle bend test support• NH-90 sliding door and landing gear sponson• Composite light opening doors for the Joint Strike Fighter
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Our experience at a glanceEU 6th Framework Research Programme ‘ALCAS’The objective of the ALCAS project (Advanced Low Cost Aircraft Structures) is to reduce the operating costs of aerospace products by 15% through the effective application of carbon fibre composites to aircraft primary structures. Within the project, Atkins has been involved in conceptual and detail design and analysis of both business jet and airliner wing technology demonstrators, including test definition and support.
Atkins adopted innovative design and analysis techniques to develop a sub-scale wing box top skin manufactured from thermoplastic material. The design was tailored to a tape laying manufacturing process that minimises lay-up time for this large, single-piece aircraft sub-structure.
Similar innovation was deployed in the development of a single-piece rear spar structure for the business jet horizontal tail plane. This single shot resin transfer moulded component incorporated integral stiffeners, hinge fittings and loose lightning strike protection features, greatly reducing assembly times and costs.
The composite airliner wing demonstrator included an upper cover root joint structure comprising metallic internal and external crown fittings. These components were required to exhibit no plasticity up to ultimate load so as not to compromise subsequent phases of the test programme. Atkins achieved this novel requirement through the adoption of new and precise analysis methodologies.
Gas turbine composite applicationsAtkins engineers are working with a major client supporting the design and analysis of composite components for future military gas turbines.
Using finite element analysis techniques, Atkins engineers have assessed major structural components and low pressure compressor stator vanes. Analyses included the global analyses of complete structures using Nastran shell and beam models and, detailed 3D sub-models of specific features using ABAQUS. Client specific FE code was also used to assess certain components.
The analyses also considered experimental rig test conditions and engine operating conditions. This allowed the mechanical integrity of components to be assessed and design modifications were recommended. Assessments for both static and dynamic (normal modes) conditions were completed.
Composite wing coverand super stringer
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