Fabrication of a graphite/epoxy composite leading edge for laminar flow control

Lockheed, under NASA contract, has recently completed the first phase of a program to evaluate laminar flow control concepts for transport aircraft. Achievement of laminar flow over a wing surface requires a system of slots, metering holes, ducts and pumps to be used to remove the turbulent air adjacent to the surface. This requirement poses severe restrictions on conventional metallic structure. Graphite/epoxy composite with its unique properties appears to be the material that might solve the very complex structural problems associated with a laminar flow control aircraft. A six-foot span graphite/epoxy test article incorporating provisions for leading edge cleaning, deicing and laminar flow control was designed, fabricated and tested.