The implementation of composites in the aerospace industry has been limited because of the inherent unpredictability of composite structure failures. Typically, very conservative designs are saddled with requirements for fail safe fasteners resulting in heavy and expensive structures. Many recent… More

The vision for routine space access and rapid turn around rates requires space vehicles to be more aircraft-like in their reliability. To achieve this reliability requires robust, high temperature material systems. Systems under consideration includeceramic or carbon matrix reinforced composite… More

The vision for routine space access and rapid turn around rates requires space vehicles to be more aircraft-like in their reliability. To achieve this reliability requires robust, high temperature material systems. Systems under consideration includeceramic or carbon matrix reinforced composite… More

"Sandwich core structures represent a lightweight and structurally efficient approach for composite airframe fabrication. However, the use of sandwich core structures has also presented many challenges, particularly for Navy aircraft that tend to seeextensive exposure to salt spray and high humidity… More

"Aztex has developed an open cell periodic metal truss structure, Metal Truss X-Cor, as a multi-functional alternative to metallic honeycomb and stochastic cellular metal structures currently under consideration for the Marine Expeditionary Family ofFighting Vehicles (MEFFV). This all-metal… More

Aztex has developed a technology to reinforce composites called Z-Fiberr insertion. Normally standard carbon fiber pins are inserted through the thickness of an uncured carbon prepreg laminate using ultrasonic energy. The resulting product has superiordamage tolerance. It is possible to adapt this… More

Sandwich core structures represent a lightweight and structurally efficient approach for composite airframe fabrication. However, the use of sandwich core structures has also presented challenges, particularly in high humidity environments. In theseenvironments, any defect or damage to the sandwich… More

Sandwich core structures represent a lightweight and structurally efficient approach for composite airframe fabrication. However, the use of sandwich core structures has also presented challenges, particularly in high humidity environments. In theseenvironments, any defect or damage to the sandwich… More

CLAS Structures reduce the weight of conventional antenna systems by embedding the antennas into the load bearing composite structures. The Northrop LOBSTAR program is developing this technology for potential use on Global Hawk.This program proposes the use of a new core material developed by Aztex … More