Cost-efficient materials in aerospace: composite vs aluminium.

Aluminium alloys are a series of traditional materials applied in aerospace industry. Composite materials have been being used to replace some aluminium alloys in airframe structures. To select a cost-efficient material in aerospace design, a framework for systematic assessment of composites and aluminium is therefore suggested. Through evaluation of 3Ps which represent prices, properties and processing of material, life cycle assessment of aluminium and composite could be made. By comparison of and trade-off the listed baselines of 3Ps, an economic, rational, available and useful material can be logically selected.