Technical Discipline: Advanced Composite Materials
Composites are materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that are combined to produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. Composite materials enable the design of structures and parts to overcome the limitations (e.g., weight, strength, flexibility, heat resistance) of traditional materials and facilitate advanced structures and components. This field involves key technical issues such as material and process control, database standards, structural substantiation, damage tolerance, bonded joints, manufacturing technologies, maintenance procedures, and emerging composite material forms.
The application of advanced composite materials to aircraft structures has expanded in all product areas. This discipline works with industry, other government agencies, standards development organizations, and academia throughout the world to address safety, certification, and workforce education initiatives to support these applications. This discipline also extends to implementation of other advanced materials and processes, in addition to composite materials. The FAA's technical experts for Advanced Composite Materials play a key role in evaluating the readiness of emerging technologies and practices and in shaping FAA policy, guidance, engineering standards, and training.
Larry Ilcewicz is FAA's Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor for Advanced Composite Materials. Dr. Ilcewicz can be contacted at larry.ilcewicz@faa.gov.
Cindy Ashforth is FAA's Senior Technical Specialist for Advanced Composite Materials. Ms. Ashforth can be contacted at cindy.ashforth@faa.gov.