News Analysis: Weaknesses in Composite Airliners Makes Russian Titanium Factory’s Sales Sky Rocket since these Aircraft need the structural reinforcement provided by Titanium. Little is every said by Airframes who build Commercial Composite Aircraft about the Titanium Componentry therein. Instead, they brag about the “All Light-Weight Composite Construction” of their ‘Birds’. However, quite often, these ‘Birds’ FAIL Wing or other Stress Tests prior to Certification by Government Aviation Authorities. As such, Titanium (super strong and lightweight for its thinness) is used to reinforce the much weaker Composite Material.
Another fact seldom discussed is Metallic Deterioration of Non-Titanium due to exposure to the Chemical Bonding agents used in Some Carbon/Carbon Composites: “As aluminum and steel corrode with composite material, titanium consumption is increasing sharply….”
Additionally, Aircraft initial weight projections given to Airlines to induce Sales do meet reality of delivered Aircraft Weight. How can they? The Airframes do not know Where ‘Carbon/Carbon Doublers nor Titanium Reinforcements will be needed nor to What extent. Since the Titanium Factory sells an alleged amount: “…pointing to Boeing’s new 787 Dreamliner which uses 20 tons of the metal compared with two tons in the older 737 model.”; Impressive amount of Titanium indeed.
Fortunately for this Russian Titanium Factory, the Frailties of Carbon/Carbon Composites bring it new opportunities. “One Man’s Loss Is Another Man’s Gain”. Reality.
Reference: http://www.themoscowtimes.com/mobile/business/article/490801.html