Reducing Vibration Fatigue With Advanced Aerospace Composites
As one of the largest composite material suppliers in the world, Axiom Materials is highly trusted for our aerospace composites. From polymer matrix prepregs to ox-ox ceramic composites, we supply the materials aerospace manufacturers need to design and build cutting edge aircraft. Among the many properties composites offer is reduced vibration fatigue.
The Basics of Vibration Fatigue
What we know is vibration fatigue is a type of material fatigue caused by random vibrations in structures. It can occur in any material, but it is particularly common in aircraft. Vibration fatigue in an aircraft occurs when an excited structure responds by creating dynamic stress loads on key points.
Aircraft of all kinds – be it military, passenger, or cargo – are frequently subjected to complex dynamic stresses. And the more aggressively an aircraft is utilized, the greater those stresses. Therefore, vibration fatigue is especially concerning with military aircraft and the largest passenger jets.
Why It’s a Problem
We wouldn’t worry about designing aerospace composites capable of reducing vibration fatigue if the phenomenon were nothing to worry about. But obviously, it is something to worry about. Vibration fatigue is a genuine problem that could have profound consequences if not addressed. Consider the following:
- Structural Damage – Vibration fatigue can cause irreversible damage in aerospace structures. Such damage reduces both aircraft integrity and lifespan.
- Performance Reductions – Vibrations in structures result in a loss of energy. When you’re talking about aircraft, a loss of energy translates into less propulsion via a loss of horsepower and energy efficiency.
- Component Failure – In a worst-case scenario, excessive vibration can cause component failure. Even a minor component failure could lead to a critical aircraft failure.
- Instrument Failure – Vibrations are capable of damaging aircraft instruments. Damage to the most sensitive instruments could negatively impact critical control systems.
- Maintenance Requirements – Vibration fatigue must be addressed through regular maintenance. Aircraft subject to higher levels of vibration require more frequent and extensive maintenance.
Maintenance costs should also be considered. Reduce the frequency and scope of aircraft maintenance and you reduce costs. By working to reduce vibration fatigue, manufacturers are also helping save money over the life of each aircraft.
Though not as critical, passenger comfort is also affected by vibration. Excessive vibration makes passengers uncomfortable, for obvious reasons. So it’s in the best interests of aviation designers to reduce vibration as much as possible. Doing so also reduces vibration fatigue.
How Aviation Composites Help
The biggest advantage aviation composites offer in terms of vibration fatigue is dampening capabilities. By definition, composites are composed of two or more materials that, when combined, offer properties that are superior to the properties the two materials offered separately.
By combining two or more materials to create a composite, we’re also creating material with vibration dampening characteristics built in. The two materials in combination reduce vibration amplitude throughout the entire structure, thus reducing discomfort, fatigue, and potential damage.
It doesn’t hurt that aerospace composites:
- Offer superior strength-to-weight ratios.
- Allow for considerable design flexibility.
- Withstand repeated vibration cycles.
- Reduce part counts.
- Reduce fuel consumption.
Modern aviation composites make it possible to do things with aircraft we never even dreamed of 50 years ago. Needless to say, they have revolutionized aircraft design and manufacturing. Among other things, today’s aerospace composites reduce vibration fatigue to make aircraft stronger, more resilient, and more comfortable.
Don’t be afraid to contact Axiom Materials to learn more about our aerospace composites. We work with customers all over the world to make composites the forefront of aerospace design and manufacturing. The materials we provide are leading the way as manufacturers create the aircraft of the future.