Carbon Fiber in Aerospace

Composite materials are particularly inspiring for aviation and aerospace applications because of their excellent strength and stiffness-to-weight ratios, as well as superior mechanical properties. The revolutionary material combination of carbon fibers and polymer resins has been used extensively in programs such as the Boeing 787, the Airbus A350, and others.

Aluminum was primarily used in the aerospace industry to construct aerospace vehicles. Carbon fiber has enough good properties to make the aerospace industry more efficient.

Lightweight

One of the biggest concerns of the aerospace industry is fuel consumption and therefore weight. Carbon fiber comes up with low weight and high strength at the same time for this concern. Carbon fiber provides approximately %40 lighter weight than aluminum and thus this makes aircraft and space vehicles more efficient in terms of fuel consumption.

Corrosion Resistant

Corrosion is an important problem for metal structures. Especially for the aircraft, the overall structure has to be inspected and needs to coat for corrosion. Aircraft need an overhaul for different time periods thus this includes corrosion controls. However, depending on the material characteristic of the carbon fiber reinforced structures, maintenance becomes unnecessary for the corrosion problem. This situation provides a less harmful structure against corrosion.

Strong

Considering the mechanical properties, the tensile strength of the carbon fiber reinforced materials can be significantly higher than conventional materials used in aircraft. Therefore, the more durable solution can be obtainable with carbon fiber. Composite materials also can help to improve safety for accidents.

Composite Parts

Starting with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, carbon fiber material used in %50 of the overall structure as laminate and sandwich. Carbon fiber is mostly used for an alternative for metal parts in tail and wing system components. It is also used in interior parts such as seats, doors.