1045. Use of Composite Materials for Weight Saving on Aerospace Vehicles
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Paper
Abstract
A weight saving of 300 pounds has been achieved on the mid-fuselage portion of the Space Shuttle
Orbiter by use of boron aluminum composite material in the form of tubular structural members.
This application has presented a unique opportunity to study and to some degree, to quantitize the
effects of several factors which often degrade the weight saving obtained by use of composites.
Some of the factors which are discussed are, load introduction, geometric factors, maintenance and
handling, cost, test data and material properties. Data is provided also on the weight of boron
aluminum tubes in terms of load and length requirements and the weight saving which may be achieved
by their use.
