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The Second Century Papers: Looking Ahead in Aeronautics—6

The World of the Structural Engineer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

W. G. Molyneux*
Affiliation:
Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough

Summary

Developments in computer technology will result in a capacity for structural analysis and definition of structural geometry in intimate detail, and this capacity will be used to the full for design and fabrication in the relatively brittle materials of high specific strength and stiffness that will become commonplace. However, only evolutionary developments in basic structural form are anticipated for the future, with stressed-skin structure remaining dominant. The structure will be windowless.

Mass-produced personal aircraft will be required for leisure purposes, and glass is likely to be a favoured structural material for these.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1968 

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References

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