High-tech materials help jetliner reach US
A
DuPont (UK) product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Mar 20, 2007
The new Airbus A380 includes a new honeycomb composite made from DuPont Kevlar which is found from its flooring to interior walls to wing flaps.
The world's largest commercial jetliner made its inaugural visit to the United States today, relying on a host of DuPont lightweight, high-performance materials to lift the first-ever, full-length twin-deck aircraft.
The innovative materials include DuPont Kevlar and Nomex aramid fibres, Vespel high-performance materials, Tefzel fluoropolymer resin, Oasis composite wire insulation, and Tedlar PVF film.
Today, an Airbus A380 operated by Lufthansa landed at John F Kennedy International Airport in New York City at the same time a Qantas Airways Airbus A380 landed at Los Angeles International Airport.
The superjumbo aircraft has four engines and a flight range of up to 15,000km - enabling it to fly nonstop between Europe and Asia.
"DuPont innovations have helped Airbus' concept of the world's largest aircraft to become a reality", said Jim Weigand, Global Business Director - DuPont Advanced Fiber Systems.
"Since the infancy of aviation, DuPont has been delivering materials essential for lighter weight, reduced volume, durability, energy efficiency and environmental resistance".
"Our work with Airbus is another example where DuPont science and technology provides solutions to the aerospace industry and the broader marketplace".
DuPont advanced fibres, electronic components and composites are assisting Airbus to meet demanding strength and weight requirements, as well as stringent safety standards.
The A380 and the aeronautics industry require products with a complex combination of properties: strength and durability, lightweight, resistance to harsh environments, and ease of use in manufacturing.
Safety considerations, such as flame resistance, also are important to the industry.
The new Airbus A380 includes a new honeycomb composite made from DuPont Kevlar which is found from its flooring to interior walls to wing flaps.
Pound for pound, Kevlar is five times stronger than steel.
As a honeycomb core, this strength allows the Kevlar to dramatically increase the structural integrity of the aircraft, while enabling a substantial weight savings.
The A380 uses engine parts made with high-strength, lightweight Vespel, which reduces weight in the A380 by replacing heavier components made from metallic alloys and by reducing friction to allow for lower-weight actuators.
Virtually every jet engine made in the Western world uses Vespel parts.
DuPont Nomex is among the materials that enhance the safety of A380.
Marking its 40th anniversary this year, Nomex - the same fibre that helps protect firefighters - is inherently flame-resistant.
In fibre and paper form, it is used in the aircraft's flooring, wallcovers, structural parts, electrical cable conduits, wall fabrics and tapestries, carpeting, and fire- blocking seat liners.
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