CompositesWorld
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NEWS 91 CompositesWorld.com Fiber-metal Laminates to build up the panel's thickness. e thinnest FML laminate is 2/1, or two aluminum layers sandwiching a prepreg layer; much thicker laminates up to 33/32 are possible for highly loaded areas. "e most common FML designs are 3/2, 4/3 and 5/4 lami- nates," explains van Mourik. "e benefit of these designs is that the fibers take the load if the aluminum microcracks, which suppresses crack growth. We can design panels of varying thick- ness by fuselage location, depending on the loads, for Glass/epoxy prepreg in widths of 460 mm is placed over the initial aluminum sheet in the orientations dictated by the design. As shown in Fig. 1, the glass prepreg plies are typically oriented in a 0°/90° configuration, but any fiber orientation can be employed to meet a specific design case. Prepreg roll edges are typically butted to cover larger panels, but in some cases, controlled overlaps are allowed for double-curved panels. Layup continues, with alternating plies of aluminum and prepreg, as required, FIG. 4 Preparing for single- aisle program automation This robot is fitted with a manipulator designed to place both aluminum sheets and prepreg sheets into a contoured mold, such as the one pictured here to form 3D parts. The photo shows a robot with a shorter manipulator but next to it (unseen) is a robot with a larger manipulator, and the two robots can be paired and operated in sync to put down lengthy sheets. Although this technology's status was TRL4 — still very much in the R&D; phase — at CW presstime, Fokker is certain that automated layup of this type is feasible at speeds high enough to accommodate single-aisle commercial aircraft production rates. Complete ultrasonic systems integration Ultrasonic inspection systems for your high performance materials C-scan and full waveform collection compatible New construction and system upgrades Conventional and phased array ultrasonic inspection Matec Instrument Companies, Inc. 56 Hudson Street Northborough, MA 01532 508-393-0155 www.matec.com sales@matec.com