A survey of aircraft materials: Design for airworthiness and sustainability

Abstract

New developments in material science and its technologies find their best implementation areas in aircraft and space vehicles. Since the beginning of the powered flight, weight of airframes and systems are needed to be reduced.  They are developed and built by light, durable and affordable materials through highly disciplined design, development, test and certification as well as manufacturing processes.  Besides airframes, engineers are challenged to develop more efficient engines; both by reducing their weights and improving their aero-thermodynamic properties, sustaining higher operational and safety reliabilities along with complying stringent emission and noise restrictions. These conditions are increasing the demand for  the development  and the utilization of  advanced lighter, stronger and durable materials and alloys, ceramic coatings and relevant manufacturing processes.  

In this study, current trends and future expectations from material technologies in general; for accomplishing higher expectations for future lighter airframes, aircraft systems and engines, are reviewed.