Conventional aeronautic light metals, especially aluminium and titanium alloys are marked by a high toughness leading to a tolerance in the presence of cracks and impacts. However, carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) are optimum light weight materials due to their exceptional high specific strengths and stiffness. A combination of these different material types regarding the specific properties leads to hybrid material systems and structures.
Hybrid materials are metal-plastic-laminates, for example. Carbon fibre reinforced plastic plies are stacked alternating with titanium foils. These materials are marked by an extreme resistance against cracks, notches and impacts. In connection with a high strength and stiffness these materials are recommended for structural components in aerospace. Here, the usage of thermoplastic matrices offers significant advantages for component manufacturing and bonding.
The research work for the hybrid metal-CFRP-structures are conducted in close collaboration with the Institute of Structures and Design. Furthermore, the development is an effective interaction of numerical and experimental methods. Therefore, the link to the Department for Numerical and Experimental Methods is essential.