Methodology for Evaluating Weight Savings from Basic Material Properties
SourceMajor payoffs of new aerospace structures in terms of weight savings, performance, and life-cycle cost are anticipated from successful development of advanced materials. To aid in development of new alloy systems a method has been developed for predicting weight savings resulting from material (property set) improvements for specific failure modes in aircraft structures. Material properties include density, modulus of elasticity, strength, fatigue, crack growth, fracture toughness, and stress corrosion resistance. Weight savings analysis includes consideration of the margins of safety for various failure modes that could affect the size of the aircraft structure. Results of analysis applicable to a carrier-based patrol aircraft and an advanced tactical fighter indicate a weight savings potential of up to 16 percent for advanced aluminum alloys.