Secondary applications

Abstract

Advanced Fibre Metal Laminates, Arall and Glare, were developed at TU Delft, The Netherlands. These patented, engineered materials were initially developed for application in the construction of fatigue prone aircraft components such as lower wing skins and fuselage skins. While ideal for these applications, commercial application in these primary structures was slow since new aircraft models were required in order to take full advantage of these materials and to avoid high additional costs of certification. Material characteristics of Fibre Metal Laminates are such that they also provide significant advantages over monolithic metals (aluminium, magnesium and titanium) and composites when used in the manufacture of secondary structural aircraft components. The materials are high-strength and lightweight. They are highly resistant to fatigue-crack propagation and impact damage. They are also highly resistant to flame penetration. Such characteristics make these materials ideally suited for flap skins, cargo bay liners, floors and firewalls. The materials are also ideal for use in the manufacture of speciality airline containers. This paper will review the characteristics of Fibre Metal Laminates and will give examples of significant improvements made in the service lives of aircraft components manufactured with these materials.