Materials selection in design of structures and engines of supersonic aircrafts: A review

This article reviews the advances in the materials selection for applications in structures and engines of current and future supersonic aircrafts. A brief overview of configuration design of the supersonic aircrafts is first given; which also includes techniques to improve configuration design for future supersonic aircrafts. The operating and ambient environmental conditions during supersonic flight and the resulting material requirements have been discussed; and consequently various aerospace aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, superalloys, and composites have been recommended. Finally, a new materials-selection chart is presented that would enable aerospace designers to select appropriate materials for application in high-performance current and future supersonic/hypersonic aircrafts. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.