There’s been a growing trend in the aerospace manufacturing industry towards the use of composite materials. According to Statista, composite materials or “composites” account for 52% of the global aerospace manufacturing market as of 2014, making it the most common type of material used in airplanes. Back in 1985, in comparison, composite materials accounted for just 6% of the market.
What Are Composite Materials?
Composite materials consist of multiple materials that, when combined, enhance each other’s characteristics. They are typically lighter and stronger than the individual materials that comprise them. As a result, composite materials are often used in the construction of airplanes and other aircraft.
The downside to composite materials is their cost. When compared to traditional materials like aluminum and steel, they typically cost more. But for aerospace manufacturing companies, composite materials may prove to be a smart investment.
Types of Composite Materials
While they all consist of multiple, synergistic materials, there are many different types of composite materials. Airplanes, for instance, are often made of carbon fiber. Most airplanes still contain at least some aluminum and steel components, but many airplanes are now made mostly of carbon fiber.
Carbon fiber is a type of composite material consisting of layers of carbon that have been bonded together with resin. The fibers themselves are typically only 5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. More importantly, they have excellent tensile strength, strength-to-weight ratio, chemical resistance and are resistant to extreme heat.
In addition to carbon fiber, other types of composite materials include fiberglass, ceramic matrix, phenolic resin and Kevlar.
How Composite Materials Are Used in Airplanes
Airplane bodies are often made of composite materials. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, for instance, features a composite airframe. It still uses other materials in its construction, but the Dreamliner’s airframe consists primarily of carbon fiber — the most common type of composite material used in airplanes.
You can also find composite materials used in airplane cabins. The seats and overhead storage compartments may be made of composite materials.
Some airplanes feature composite materials in their engines. Engine blades and casings, for example, may contain composite materials. Not only are they strong, but composite engine components such as these are able to withstand extreme heat that could otherwise damage or degrade other materials.
In Conclusion
Composite materials offer several advantages that make them a popular choice among aerospace manufacturing companies. They are typically strong, lightweight and resistant to extreme heat. Common types of composite materials used in airplanes include carbon fiber, fiberglass, ceramic matrix, phenolic resin and Kevlar.
