Are you confident in the safety of composite aerostructures?

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Michael Targett Posted: Mon, Sep 24 2007 2:41 PM

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Criticism by a former Boeing engineer has brought renewed scrutiny to the crashworthiness of the 787's composite airframe.

Are the concerns real or just out-of-date thinking?

Our question of the week currently shows that opinion is fairly split.

If you feel strongly, have your say here ...

Editor Flightglobal.com

Filed under: question of the week, 787, boeing, composite aerostructure

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apgphoto replied on Mon, Sep 24 2007 7:14 PM

I guess the real issue is over time how will the composite panels hold up? If the instance of the Transat A310 rudder delaminating or the AA A300 rudder failure/overstress is a potential sign of things to come, then inspections will have to be stepped up. I know that composite technology both in terms of manufacturing techniques and design has moved on from the early 'Busses so in theory delamination issues should be a thing of the past.....I worked in F1 although not in composites and it amazing to think how far this technology has improved since McLaren first rolled out the first carbon chassis MP4 in 1981. Composites spread from the chassis to suspension to gearboxes and further, McLaren now estimate that over 60% of their current car is composite.Having seen how composite structures survive and protect in F1 first hand, I have no problems in flying in an airliner making use of major composite parts.

If it’s the 787 then just make sure the fasteners are holding it all together Stick out tongue

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Milky replied on Tue, Sep 25 2007 9:29 AM

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There seems to be a lot of concern about such widespread use of CFRPs, we've all been happy to fly around in light aircraft with impregnated honeycomb structures for years. It is a bold step by Boeing; placing such faith in their research and development and it is a great testiment to their designers and engineers. The general level of ignorance of new materials within both the general public and some who claim to be within the aviation industry is more of a worry than the material itself.

If the plane can get me on holiday safely-I'll fly in it!

One pint or too?

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Happy Hippo replied on Tue, Sep 25 2007 12:00 PM

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Does anyone remember the BBC Horizon documentary on Lightning? The level of damage to aircraft composites caused by a lightning strike was of a totally different magnitude, when compared to metal structures which had a tiny burn mark. Did have some great footage of NASA F-106 being flown through a thunderstorm.