Application of Lightweighting Technology to Military Vehicles, Vessels, and Aircraft

This book will be of interest to the military, manufacturers and designers of military equipment, and decision makers. This book assesses the current state of lightweighting implementation in land, sea, and air vehicles and recommends ways to improve the use of lightweight materials and solutions. This book considers both lightweight materials and lightweight design; the availability of lightweight materials from domestic manufacturers; and the performance of lightweight materials and their manufacturing technologies. It considers the trade space that is, the effect that use of lightweight materials or technologies can have on the performance and function of all vehicle systems and components.

This book also discusses manufacturing capabilities and affordable manufacturing technology to facilitate lightweighting.

Lightweighting is a concept well known to structural designers and engineers in all applications areas, from laptops to bicycles to automobiles to buildings and airplanes. Reducing the weight of structures can provide many advantages, including increased energy efficiency, better design, improved usability, and better coupling with new, multifunctional features. While lightweighting is a challenge in commercial structures, the special demands of military vehicles for survivability, maneuverability and transportability significantly stress the already complex process.

Contents
SUMMARY
1. BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION
Lightweighting: Background
Study Charge and Scope
Committee’s Approach and Report Outline
Defining Lightweighting
Key Topics in Lightweighting
Challenges and Opportunities: Findings of Recent NRC Studies
Concluding Remarks
2. LIGHTWEIGHTING AIRBORNE VEHICLES
Current State of Lightweighting Implementation and Metrics
Barriers and Keys to Success
Lightweighting Opportunities for Aircraft
Long-Term Challenges in Lightweighting Aircraft
Examples of Lightweighting in Airborne Vehicles
Conclusion
3. LIGHTWEIGHTING MARITIME VEHICLES
Current State of Lightweighting Implementation and Metrics
Barriers and Keys to Success
Lightweighting Opportunities for Maritime Vehicles
Long-Term Concerns in Lightweighting Maritime Vehicles
Examples of Lightweighting in Maritime Vehicles
Conclusion
4. LIGHTWEIGHTING LAND-BASED VEHICLES
Current State of Lightweighting Implementation and Metrics
Barriers and Keys to Success
Lightweighting Opportunities for Land-Based Vehicles
Long-Term Concerns in Lightweighting Land-Based Vehicles
Examples of Lightweighting in Land-Based Vehicles
Conclusions
5. CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
Different Priorities, Similar Challenges Availability of Lightweighting Materials
Systems-Engineering Design
Insertion of Lightweighting Materials and Technologies
Transition of Lightweighting Technologies Into Fielded Systems
Manufacturing and Maintenance Technologies That Facilitate Lightweighting
Availability of Lightweighting Materials
Conclusion
6. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Defining Lightweighting
Digital Design Tools for Systems Engineering
Transition of Lightweighting Technology via Advanced Technology Demonstrator Programs
A DOD-Wide Initiative on Affordable Manufacturing Technology to Facilitate Lightweighting
A Strategic Vision for Materials Critical to Lightweighting
Conclusion
APPENDICES
A Acronyms and Abbreviations
B Committee Biographies
C Presentations to the Committee