Composite Materials in Aerospace Design

This title is part of a series dedicated to advanced composite materials research, development and usage in the former Soviet Union. Much of the information presented has been classified until recently. This volume concerns the design philosophy and methodology used to produce primary and secondary load bearing composite structures with high life expectancies. It presents extensive advanced composites research and development programmes in aircraft and spacecraft applications, including the space orbital ship "BURAN". The work also examines how this material can be applied to other market sectors, such as automotive, shipbuilding and sporting goods. The book describes typical structures for which composites may be used in aerospace design and some of the basic requirements for the materials used. It discusses design of components with composite materials, with reference to case studies, and then evaluates finished structures and components, methods of joining with conventional materials, non-destructive testing methods and forecasting the performance of both the composite materials and the structures which they form.