Composite structures offer advantages in terms of weight and strength from "summary" of Aircraft Structures & Systems EASA Module 13 B2 by
Composite structures provide significant benefits in terms of weight and strength compared to traditional metallic structures. This advantage stems from the unique properties of composite materials, which are made up of two or more distinct components that work together to create a material with improved mechanical properties. One key advantage of composite structures is their high strength-to-weight ratio. Composite materials are known for their excellent strength properties, which allow them to withstand high loads and stresses without deforming or failing. This high strength allows composite structures to be designed with thinner and lighter components, resulting in a reduction in overall weight while maintaining the required structural integrity. Additionally, composite materials offer better fatigue resistance compared to metallic materials. This means that composite structures can withstand repeated loading and unloading cycles without experiencing fatigue failure, making them ideal for applications where durability is crucial. Furthermore, composite materials are highly resistant to corrosion, which is a common issue with metallic structures. This corrosion resistance allows composite structures to have a longer service life and reduced maintenance requirements, resulting in cost savings over the lifetime of the structure.- The combination of lightweight, high strength, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance makes composite structures an attractive choice for a wide range of aerospace applications. By leveraging the unique properties of composite materials, aircraft designers can create structures that are not only lighter but also stronger and more durable than traditional metallic structures.
