Lateral Thinking on Composites and Metals Gives Aerostructures the Best of Both Worlds

Not so long ago, the ascent of composites in aerostructures manufacturing seemed an unstoppable progression that could only happen at the expense of metals

GKN’s technology team is advancing in methods for combining composites and metals to make smarter, more efficient and profitable aerostructures. (Photo: GKN)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

May 23, 2011

Not so long ago, the ascent of composites in aerostructures manufacturing seemed an unstoppable progression that could only happen at the expense of metals. Fresh thinking at progressive companies like GKN Aerospace is changing that thinking, with engineers increasingly coming to the conclusion that the two families of materials can coexist in cooperative harmony to give manufacturers the best of both worlds.

GKN technology director Richard Oldfield leads a team working on the application of hybrid structures that combine titanium and composites. The company has devised a way to use degradable hooks to bind the two materials together until they become permanently bonded. Meanwhile, GKN continues to find ways to make more efficient use of the materials individually.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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