BAA-11-04-PKV-SOO1.doc

TRIAD SOO #1

Hybrid Concepts for Improved Damage Tolerance of Unitized Aircraft Structures

The objective of this program is to develop innovative structural concepts of graded or hybrid materials that enhance the damage tolerance capability of unitized structures.

The application of unitized structures in aircraft construction has been shown to reduce part count and weight. Further improvements are possible by increasing the durability and damage tolerance of unitized structures. In this effort typical unitized structural concepts shall be evaluated and fatigue or damage critical locations identified. For these locations, metallic/composite structural concepts of graded or hybrid materials shall be developed that enhance the durability and damage tolerance capability of unitized structures. One example application would be a component that incorporates monolithic metal to composite (lug). Another potential application would be a hybrid wing or fuselage skin.

In order to demonstrate improvements, the following tasks must be performed:

· Develop analytical tools and structural concepts of hybrid materials that enhance the damage tolerance capability of unitized structures.

· Demonstrate damage tolerance capabilities of the most promising concepts by fabricating and testing small scale coupons to verify the strength and stiffness etc.

· Select the concept that has the most damage tolerant structural capability.

· Design and manufacture a representative structural subcomponent.

· Test excised sub-elements to verify the concept.

The offeror is encouraged but is not required to incorporate test support from the AFRL Structures Division Thermal and Mechanical Laboratory into their proposal. This should be considered in the event that test systems and/or fixtures needed are not available and it is believed that cost savings to the Government can be achieved, as opposed to working with a subcontractor to provide those services or fabricating fixtures that AFRL currently owns. In this instance the offeror is asked to propose the subject test activity as an option for evaluation in the contract proposal.