12 – Natural fibre and polymer matrix composites and their applications in aerospace engineering
January 19, 2024
Abstract
Fibre-reinforced polymer composite materials are fast gaining ground as preferred materials for construction of aircrafts and spacecrafts. In particular, their use as primary structural materials in recent years in several technology demonstrator front-line aerospace projects worldwide has provided confidence that has led to their acceptance as prime materials for aerospace vehicles. Fibre polymer composites alongside aluminium alloys are the most frequently used materials in aircraft structures. The use of composites in civil aircraft, military fighters and helicopters has increased rapidly since the 1990s, and composites are now competing head-to-head with aluminium as the materials of choice in many airframe structures. The use of composites in gas turbine engines for both civil and military aircraft is also growing. The main reasons for using composites are to reduce weight, increase specific stiffness and strength, extend fatigue life and minimize problems with corrosion. Natural fibre composites present several advantages over man-made fibre composites such as low cost, light weight, high specific mechanical properties, nonhazardous nature, eco-friendliness, renewability and so on, and consequently their utilization in various industrial sectors including aerospace engineering is highly promising. This chapter discusses different aspects of natural fibre as well as conventional polymer matrix composites, focussing on aerospace applications.
Author
P. Balakrishnan, M.J. John, L. Pothen, M.S. Sreekala, S. Thomas
Citation
P. Balakrishnan, M.J. John, L. Pothen, M.S. Sreekala, S. Thomas. (2016), 12 - Natural fibre and polymer matrix composites and their applications in aerospace engineering. Advanced Composite Materials for Aerospace Engineering: Processing, Properties, and Applications. pg. 365-383. Woodhead Publishing. Doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-100037-3.00012-2.