Crashworthy composite aircraft structure with integral fuel tank
US5451015A · kind A · utility
37Cited by
13References
5Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 1993 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A dual-purpose bulkhead structure functions to support normal aircraft operational loads and to absorb energy in a controlled manner during a crash. An integral fuel tank comprises a fuel compartment and a crashworthy flexible fuel cell. The fuel compartment includes two dual-purpose bulkheads and crushable foam disposed between the sides of the fuel cell and the bulkheads and sides of the fuel compartment. The foam limits fuel pressure loads on fuel compartment bulkheads and sides during a crash, thereby preventing their failure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.