Synopses & Reviews
From the beginning of the 1980s, the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands developed fibre metal laminates such as Glare. This new family of hybrid materials consists of thin metal layers bonded together by fibres embedded in an adhesive, thus creating a material possessing a mixture of metal and composite characteristics. Introducing new technologies in the aircraft industry is not to be taken lightly. By nature, the aircraft industry is rather conservative; innovations must be proven - a paradox actually - in all possible ways before they can be introduced in real aircraft structures. Not only do technical aspects play a role in this respect; historical, cultural, economical and political issues are equally important. This book deals with the less technical and non-technical issues related to Glare's introduction in aviation from different perspectives.
Synopsis
During September 24-26, 2001, the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering of the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands organised the Glare - the New Material for Aircraft Conference, an international conference on the relationship between design, material choice and application of aircraft materials with respect to new developments in industry. Eminent representatives from the aircraft manufacturing world, including manufacturers, airlines, airports, universities, governments and aviation authorities, were present at this conference to meet and exchange ideas - see the group photo on the next two pages. The fact that the conference was held just two weeks after September 11, 2001 put things in a rather unique perspective. The aim of the conference was to illustrate the many unique applications of the Glare family of fibre metal laminates and to provide for the exchange and distribution of information regarding this material in order to stimulate their acceptance and promote further application. The introduction of fibre metal laminates into the commercial aviation market took about 20 years time. Introducing new technologies should not be taken lightly, however; the aircraft industry is by nature rather conservative and innovations must therefore be proven a paradox actually in all possible ways before they can be introduced in real aircraft structures. Not only do technical aspects play a role in this respect; historical, cultural, economical and political issues are equally important."
Table of Contents
Preface. Day 1: Developments in Aviation. Keynote lecture: Flying in the New Atlantis - and the evolution of technology; H.W. Lintsen. 1. Sustainable aviation: KLM's view on "Flying in the New Atlantis"; E.N.J. Huiskamp. 2. Ben A.C. Droste. 3. Pleading for a vision; H.G. Klug. 4. Dilemmas and how to make a difference; C.A.M. de Koning. 5. D. Krook. Day 2: Development of Materials for Aircraft Design. Materials and the development of aircraft: Wood - aluminium - composites; E.M. Schatzberg. 1. Some considerations for new materials integration into aircraft systems; F.C. Campbell. 2. Wings of silver, wings of gold: Money and technological change in the aircraft industry during the 1920s and 1930s; M.L.J. Dierikx. 3. Fibre metal laminates: An evolution based on technological pedigree; L.J.J. Kok. 4. Fedde Holwerda. 5. Karl-Heinz Rendigs. Day 3: New Materials and Safety. The material down-selection process for A3XX; J. Hinrichsen. 1. Airbus composite aircraft fuselages - next or never; M.J.L. van Tooren. 2. The way to ensure technology maturity for new materials: A contribution to airworthiness issues; J. Rouchon. 3. Designing for risk: New materials and new approaches; P.T.W. Hudson. 4. New technology and safety: Some moral considerations; P.A. Kroes. Emeritus Lecture Professor Vogelesang. Sponsors.