2020. Weight Estimating Guide for Advanced Composites

Publication TypeConference Paper
AuthorsBurns, J.W.
Year of Publication1991
Paper Number2020
Conference50th Annual Conference, San Diego, California, May 20-22
Conference LocationSan Diego, California
Paper Category23. WEIGHT ENGINEERING - STRUCTURAL ESTIMATION
Pages24
Date Published5/20/91
Price$9.60
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Key Words23. WEIGHT ENGINEERING - STRUCTURAL ESTIMATION
AbstractDuring the 1970's, we began to see limited applications of graphite/epoxy for some aircraft structural components. There were industry wide projections of 20% to 60% weight reduction using graphite/epoxy. Those early predictions were made without full consideration of other factors that must be considered when making preliminary weight estimates for graphite/epoxy structure. The purpose of this paper is to identify most of those items and present specific weight estimating guidelines for some of the design drivers based on data derived from a recent major aircraft program. The data in this paper is presented as a guide and is intended to be used only for a preliminary weight estimate. Design criteria, requirements and operating conditions for various types of vehicles will cause some variations of the data presented in this paper.
NotesL. R. "Mike" Hackney Award