Tue, Aug 11, 2009
Test Section For Fatigue And Damage Tolerance Evaluation
The A350 XWB program reached another key milestone with the
completion of a second large test fuselage section, which
incorporates many of the manufacturing advances planned for the
production of this next-generation Airbus jetliner.
With a length of about 54 feet and a diameter of more than 18
feet, the demonstrator closely reflects the A350 XWB fuselage's
final design. This section was used to develop and validate the
complete process chain - from the manufacture of individual panels,
frames and clips, to shell assembly, section assembly and the
production of circumferential joints.
The fuselage section supports Airbus' validation of design
principles and sizing methods for the A350 XWB, and it will be
utilized as part of the aircraft's certification process - serving
for tests that focus primarily on the fatigue and damage tolerance
of composite structures.
Manufacturing innovations applied to the demonstrator included
the production of large carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
panels - the largest with a chord length of 16.5 feet. The A350
XWB's extensive use of carbon fibre reinforced plastic is a
significant advance: its panels, frames, window frames, clips, and
door are made from it, with a hybrid door frame structure
consisting of CFRP and titanium being used for the first time.
The fuselage demonstrator was developed with the involvement of
11 Airbus plants in Germany, France and Spain. While this unit was
built in three sections, the actual A350 XWB will feature
continuous fuselage composite panels of 48-54 feet in length.
Photo Courtesy Airbus
Airbus is building the A350 XWB in response to widespread market
demand for a family of highly efficient, medium-capacity long-range
widebody aircraft. The A350 XWB has the widest fuselage in its
category, and is available in three different versions. Firm orders
for the A350 XWB currently stand at 493 from 31 customers
worldwide.
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