Problems and perspectives of application of composite materials in aircraft

Purpose. Aircraft uses a very wide range of constructional technologies, but the technological progress and economic crisis lead to the research of composite materials with high mechanical and operational properties level. The advantage of such materials is the low density, which reduces the overall weight and increase fuel economy and increases airplanes' passenger capacity. Methodology. The values of the exploitation characteristics (specific strength, specific stiffness) of composite materials and alloys show the possibility of their use in aircraft. Findings. The history of composite materials use in aircraft totals to more than 45 years. During this period, the percentage of use of composite materials has increased from 1 to 60. The relationship between the aircraft industry and the development of material science of composite materials has been established. The application of composite materials based on glass fibers, boron and carbon fibers leads to the 40...60% decrease in the overall weight of the airplane and, consequently, to the decrease of the cost of such constructions. The comparison of mechanical properties of composite materials and alloys, which are mostly often used in the aircraft industry (aluminum, titanium, steel, glass fiber, boron fiber, and carbon fiber) is shown. The exploitation properties (specific strength and specific stiffness) of these materials have been determined. The implementation of composite materials into aircraft will allow to drastically increase the strength, reliability, safety and other exploitation characteristics of aircraft - because reinforcing yarn elements, fibers, inclusions of materials with higher strength, nano-modifying particles are used in them. In order to reduce the cost of products from composites in Ukraine it is necessary to develop material science of composite materials and bring investments in. Originality. The use of composite materials in aircraft, based on glass or carbon fibers, instead of aluminum will allow 3.. .5 times increasing of product exploitation properties. Practical value. Application of composite materials in aircraft has resulted in significant decrease in the total weight of the airplanes, this will allow saving of fuel resources.