Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Laminates in Aviation and Structural Engineering: A Synthetic Comparison of Performance...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science and Engineering
• Composite Materials
• Structural Integrity

Background:

• Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates are critical in aviation and structural engineering, but with distinct design philosophies.
• Aviation prioritizes fatigue-critical, certification-driven approaches, while structural engineering focuses on long-term durability and environmental resilience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how contrasting design philosophies, degradation mechanisms, and inspection strategies influence laminated FRP composite performance and reliability.
• To synthesize recent developments in composite design, modeling, and inspection from 168 literature references (141 from 2020-2025).

Main Methods:

• Comparative analysis of aviation and structural engineering paradigms for FRP composites.
• Literature review synthesizing recent advancements in composite design, modeling, and inspection.
• Exploration of classical laminate theory and finite element modeling applications in both sectors.

Main Results:

• Aviation offers high-fidelity modeling and embedded monitoring; structural engineering provides scalable inspection and exposure-based degradation logic.
• Divergence in modeling depth and regulatory integration exists between the two sectors.
• Recent literature highlights advancements in composite design, modeling, and inspection.

Conclusions:

• Proposes hybrid modeling and inspection frameworks integrating progressive damage simulation with durability-based design logic.
• Outlines a pathway toward unified, sustainable, and adaptive engineering practices for laminated FRP composites.
• Bridges aviation's modeling precision with structural engineering's environmental realism.