This book looks at repair/reinforcement technology, which is based on the use of adhesively bonded fibre composite patches or doublers and can provide cost-effective life extension in many situations. From the scientific and engineering viewpoint, whilst simple in concept, this technology can be quite challenging particularly when used to repair primary structure. This is due to it being based on interrelated inputs from the fields of aircraft design, solid mechanics, fibre composites, structural adhesive bonding, fracture mechanics and metal fatigue. The technologies of non-destructive inspection (NDI) and, more recently smart materials, are also included. Operational issues are equally critical, including airworthiness certification, application technology (including health and safety issues), and training.

This is the first book for the aeronautical designer devoted to guiding the reader through this highly effective conceptual design synthesis process. This forms the procedure for the initial stage of the aircraft design process – the interpretation of a requirement into the preliminary layout. A logical design sequence is developed utilizing original modules to represent propulsion, lift, drag, mass, and performance. Aircraft Conceptual Design Synthesis includes a disk of spreadsheets that provides core data. Unlike existing approaches, the design synthesis method can be applied to novel aircraft concepts.

CONTENTS INCLUDE *The design process *Aircraft configuration *Flight regime and powerplant considerations *Fuselage layout *Configuration of the wing *Basic lift, drag and mass representations *Performance estimation *Parametric analysis and optimisation *Analysis of concept design