Transport Aircraft Composite Aging

Fawcett, A., Fualdes, C., Enjuto, P., Hoyt, D.M., and Ilcewicz, L.

2020 AIAA SCITECH Forum, 9 January 2020, Orlando, FL.

Composite Aging Definition

• Response of an aircraft structures material system in service to long-term exposure environments. A fundamental understanding of the physical or chemical phenomena that can cause changes in the molecular structure of resins and epoxy-based materials to occur.
• This can result in mechanical, and physical properties affected in ways that can compromise the reliability of resin-based engineering components and structures.

Current industry practice:

• The structure’s response to aging threat, individually and in combination, is characterized and addressed in the design of the composite structure.

Results from teardown of in-service aircraft

• Teardowns performed on aircraft retired from operations after long service histories.
• Airbus: A300B Airbrakes, A320 HTP, ATR 72 wing and A300-600 VTP.
• Boeing: 737 spoilers and HTP, and 777 HTP.
• FAA/NIAR: Beechcraft Starship wing and Boeing 737 HTP.
• No appreciable loss of strength reported.
• No measurable degradation in material characteristics.

In-service experience validates engineering assumptions.

PDF of Presentation