Aerospace Composites for Aircraft Interiors: Primary Considerations
Lightweight yet durable composites are the backbone of aircraft interior design. Without access to components made with carbon and glass fibers, aircraft cabins would be considerably different. Planes would also be heavier and offer less capacity. Composites really do make an enormous difference.
The question for this post is as follows: what are the primary considerations engineers need to account for when designing aircraft interiors with composite materials in mind? Covering it all in one post would be nearly impossible. So to keep things manageable, here are the primary considerations engineers pay attention to:
1. Weight Optimization
Weight optimization was the original motivation for considering composites for interior components. Other materials, mainly metal, limit aircraft capacity due to higher weight. By introducing lighter composite materials, designers can create a more comfortable interior while keeping weight to a minimum.
Still, structural integrity is important. Interior cabins cannot be weak or less durable. Fortunately, aerospace composites offer an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making them ideal for aircraft cabins.
2. Mechanical Properties
It goes without saying that engineers need to account for the mechanical properties of each composite they choose to work with. A material needs to be up to the task in terms of strength, stiffness, and durability. Moreover, different interior components have their unique specifications. The right materials make all the difference in the world.
3. FST Requirements
The last place you want a fire to break out is inside a passenger plane flying at 30,000 feet. In the event of an in-flight emergency, engineers want to limit fire, smoke, and toxicity (FST) risks. Doing so means meeting stringent FST standards put in place to ensure passenger safety.
These standards apply to heat release, smoke production, and the release of toxic chemicals during a fire. Aircraft interiors need to be as safe as possible so that even an in-flight fire can be managed from a safety perspective.
4. Repair and Maintenance Requirements
Nearly every component on a modern aircraft needs to be maintained and repaired for a considerable length of time. For aircraft interiors, it is really about damage detection and repair capabilities. How easily can inspectors find damage? And once found, how easily is said damage repaired?
Engineers obviously hope to design interiors that lend themselves well to hassle-free repair and maintenance. This influences everything from material selection to design features.
5. Aesthetic Appeal
Although much of what engineers need to think about revolves around safety and performance, they cannot ignore aesthetic appeal. Their designs must meet strict requirements for visual and tactile quality, noise control, vibration control, and airline branding.
Aesthetic considerations are rooted in the reality that passengers expect a comfortable experience. If those expectations are not met, finding a different airline isn’t a stretch. Passengers will keep looking until they find an airline they like.
6. Cost Effectiveness
Money is always a part of aerospace design and manufacturing. Engineers want to spend as little as possible without sacrificing safety, performance, and regulatory compliance. They are always juggling design requirements with budget. Sometimes they stay within the budget while other times they do not.
The hardest part in this regard is the fact that composite materials can be expensive. Likewise, the demands of complex manufacturing only add to the expense. It is a lot to have to worry about as an engineer.
7. The Role of Axiom Materials
When it comes to aerospace composites, Axiom Materials plays a pivotal role in advancing the industry. The company specializes in high-performance materials, including prepregs, resins, and adhesives tailored for demanding applications. Their solutions not only meet stringent mechanical and FST requirements but also address the industry’s need for lightweight yet durable materials. Axiom’s innovative products empower engineers to push the boundaries of aircraft interior design, ensuring optimal safety, comfort, and performance. By collaborating with industry leaders, Axiom continues to shape the future of aerospace composites.
Interiors are just as important as the rest of the components that go into modern aircraft. Thanks to modern aerospace composites, today’s interiors are strong, resilient, safe, and comfortable. We owe it all to the space-age materials engineers and designers rely so heavily on.