波音 787 梦想飞机：商用航空的未来

自 65 多年前喷气发动机问世以来，商业航空发生了革命性的变化，对更先进的飞机设计的需求一直在上升。

最近的进步包括更高效的发动机、空气动力学和机翼设计的变化，以及在飞机制造中越来越多地使用复合材料。

波音 787 梦想飞机就是这样一种飞机，其设计重点是提高效率、降低运营成本和减少环境影响。 B787 采用 50% 复合材料的轻型结构，可将燃油消耗和二氧化碳排放量减少 20-30%，是第一款在机身和机翼中使用碳纤维复合材料的大型商用飞机。

This aircraft has enabled airline operators to optimize fleet and network performance and offers increased “point-to-point” service, as it has exceptional efficiency, capacity, and range. As of December 2022, total orders for B787 reached 1,608, with 1,039 aircraft delivered.

波音 787 梦想飞机成功的主要贡献者之一是吉尔公司 (TGC)。

TGC’s product development program was launched in 2000, and it led to the development and characterization of ultralightweight honeycombs, floor panels, interior panels, cargo compartment liners, and lightning strike protection, using a combination of new materials and processes. The scope of this program included the development of a new para-aramid honeycomb, formulation of new resin matrices, development of a lighter weight film adhesive, and tailoring of the reinforcements, aerial fiber weight, and resin content of prepregs. Today, TGC supports the B787 program with a portfolio of ultra-lightweight honeycomb, machined honeycomb details, floor panels, interior panels, cargo compartment liners, lightning strike protection, and fabricated floor panel kits.

Gillcore® HK is a high-performance honeycomb manufactured using para-aramid paper that is coated with phenolic resin.

As a saturable substrate, para-aramid becomes a true composite cell wall when converted to honeycomb, yielding exceptional shear strength and modulus, stiffness, durability, fatigue, and hot/wet properties. These superior characteristics make it possible to achieve values that are equal to or higher than meta-aramid at a significant weight reduction of core density. Most configurations of Gillcore® HK can be manufactured using different thicknesses of para-aramid paper, allowing for optimization of key properties geared to specific applications.

For the B787 program, TGC developed a range of floor panels that would meet or exceed the mechanical properties of the applicable Types of BMS 4-17 and BMS 4-20 at a significantly reduced weight. The weight savings, achieved in part by replacing the meta-aramid honeycomb with para-aramid honeycomb, are highlighted by type. Gillfab® 4809, qualified to BMS 4-20, is an ultra-lightweight, high-strength floor panel made from unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy facings bonded to Gillcore® HK para-aramid honeycomb core. The outer facing surfaces feature a thin glass isolation barrier to prevent galvanic corrosion.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has changed the way people travel, and it is a symbol of technological advancement in the aviation industry. TGC’s contribution to the program has helped to make the aircraft lighter, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. This shows that innovation is the key to progress and growth, and with the right approach, we can continue to make great strides in commercial aviation.