Aerostructures â?? Aerostructures and Aircraft Design

Aerostructures are a part of an aircraft's airframe. The aerostructure may include one or all of the following: fuselage, wings, tail, and flight control surfaces. Some companies specialize in building only the aerostructure while others build multiple parts for the construction of an aircraft. The design of the aerostructure can affect the entire aircraft. The different parts of the structure can be combined in different ways to produce different outcomes. Materials that are used in structures can also have an effect on the way the plane flies. Newer materials are composites and are stronger than steel and very light.

Aerospace structures are generally the same thing as the aircraft structures. Aerospace structures and designs have greatly influenced all of aircraft designs and materials. Most new composite materials were developed through aerospace technology. Both military and commercial developments have prodded the industry along. Testing continues to improve the quality of structures for rockets and planes. As with aircraft structures, some companies specialize in building only structures for rockets. Most aerospace companies manufacture more than just structures but also struts, tubes, and interior structures.

Aero-structures have a long history of materials and designs. Early designs were of wood. Wood composites like plywood and laminates replaced wood structures. Metals were used next. These were much lighter, more flexible, and stronger than wood. Metal alloys were next employed for air frames. The most common alloys used in air frames are aluminum/copper, titanium/magnesium. Steel and stainless steel are still used for parts that come under high stress. The newest materials are composites that are even lighter, stronger and tougher than any materials yet used. Carbon fiber, Kevlar, fiberglass, and polymers are the best in air frame technology today. These are being used on military planes, commercial planes, and aerospace rockets.

Aircraft Design is a high tech science that requires special training in physics and mechanics, chemistry, and metallurgy. Designs continue to follow a basic structure but improvements are made through research and testing. Bad designs will result in the failure of the aircraft. Designs must be made with care. Changing pressures, temperatures, compression, flexion, torsion, and other elements must be taken into account as an aircraft is designed. Designs undergo extensive chemical, visual, ultrasound, x-ray, and magnetic inspections. The FAA must inspect and approve every aircraft design. Strict restrictions are applied to designs and designers. Structures and designs must meet the utmost qualifications.