Low cost structural concept for composite trailing edge flap.

Low cost combined with high quality fabrication technologies to meet aircraft requirements is the key for the wide range application of composite materials in the industry. Two-year research activities in the application of low cost composite materials were sponsored by Japan Aircraft Development Corporation (JADC). These focused on the trailing edge flap for the transport category aircraft. The results of these activities and the advantage of the low cost idea are presented. Low-cost high-quality structural design concept, which was supported by manufacturing technologies, is introduced. Many tests have been conducted to confirm the viability of the new design and manufacturing concept. This concept was used in the flap design and a full-scale subcomponent test component of the flap box structure was fabricated. An estimated cost reduction of 29% was obtained compared with the conventional hand lay-up method. As for the full-scale subcomponent test, a static strength test was performed to confirm the validity of the new structural design concept supported by new manufacturing technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]