Optimizing materials selection in automotive and aerospace structures
Discusses the future of composites in the automotive and aerospace industries. Says that, although cost is an issue at present, emerging technologies will see falls. With more competitive pricing, the total carbon fibre reinforced polymer marker will reach $36bn by 2020, with aerospace at $14.4bn and the automotive sector at $2.7bn. Notes, however, that there are developments in advanced metals which will still have a place in both sectors. In aerospace, predicts that carbon fibre and titanium will be increasingly used in ribs, stringers and bulkheads. For the automotive sector predicts that carbon fibre will take some of aluminium's share in powertrain parts that don't need high thermal stability.
High Performance Composites, Jan. 2013. pp.7-8. http://tinyurl.com/5tvnf5v
High Performance Composites for Aircraft Interiors
Reports on the conference held in September 2012 which focused on ways to get more composites into aircraft interiors. Papers covered: the outlook for composite materials, with the interiors market holds more potential than that for aircraft structures; certification standards and test methods for flammability; HexMC, a new moulding compound for structural aerospace applications; and the redesign of aircraft seating to reduce weight and optimise capacity.
High Performance Composites, Jan. 2013. pp.20-23. http://tinyurl.com/5tvnf5v
A400M wing assembly: challenge of integrating composites
Reports on a visit to the Airbus Military airlifter wing assembly facility at Filton. It is at this facility that Airbus completes the work of integrating wing spars, wingskins and other large composite structures into the A400M's wing. More than 30% of the A400M's aerostructure comprises composites and the company has used its experience with carbon fibre composites on this aircraft to do the same - more easily - on the A350 XWB. The assembly facility is organised in three stages: stage 1 involves primary wing box structural assembly; stage 2 includes addition of fasteners and minor structural work, wiring and other components in systems preparation, as well as testing; and stage 3 involves the addition of electrical harnesses, more wiring and piping, and full functional testing.
High Performance Composites, Jan. 2013. pp.26-31. http://tinyurl.com/5tvnf5v
