Development of Detailed FE Numerical Models for Assessing the Replacement of Metal with Composite Materials Applied to an Executive Aircraft Wing

This work provides a feasibility and effectiveness analysis, through numerical investigation, of metal replacement primary components with composite material for an executive aircraft wing. In particular, benefits disadvantages replacing metal, usually adopted to manufacture this structural component, are explored. To accomplish task, detailed FEM model the wing was deployed by taking into account process constraints related Liquid Resin Infusion, which selected as preferred manufacturing technique fabricate We obtained geometric layup definition CFRP wing, demonstrated that elements materials did not affect performance can guarantee substantial advantage structure in terms weight reduction when compared equivalent metallic configuration, even existing configurations.