Aerospace
Smart Aircraft Structures: a Future Necessity
Health monitoring of aircraft structures using distributed in situ sensor systems.
Read MoreIn Situ Manufacturing: Pipe Relining in Demanding, Corrosive Environments
Onsite technology offers continuous manufacture and insertion of new high-performance pipe, without excavation and replacement.
Read MoreFAR Part 25 Standards
Prior to 1990, most cabin composites were epoxy-based. But in 1987, the U.S. Federal Aviation Admin. (FAA) mandated slower burn rate/flame spread in aircraft seat cushion materials in its Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 25 standards. Then, in 1990, it also established regulations that mandated stringent
Read MoreAdvanced materials for aircraft interiors
Applications aren't as demanding as airframe composites, but requirements are still exacting — passenger safety is key.
Read MoreNovember 2006 Editorial
I just got back from the Pira-Intertech Carbon Fiber Conference in Budapest. Since six of the seven major carbon fiber producers have announced capacity expansions, the expert consensus at the conference was that carbon fiber capacity is slated to grow around 8 percent annually – somewhat less than the 10 percent
Read MoreMatrices: Carbon, metal and ceramic
Perhaps the most exotic matrix, in part because it is neither thermoset nor thermoplastic, is pyrolized and densified noncontinuous carbon, which forms the matrix in carbon/carbon (C/C) composites. C/Cs withstand extremely high temperatures – nearly 1650°C/3000°F on space shuttle components – and also find use in
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The ABCs of FEA
Computerized and adapted for composites, finite element analysis reduces R&D expense and shortens time to market.
Read MoreOctober 2006 Editorial
The first joint AVK Conference/COMPOSITES EUROPE trade fair was held Sept. 20-22 in Essen, Germany. Official numbers are in: show organizers say the event drew 200 exhibitors and 3,700 people were in attendance during the three-day event. Sixty percent of the exhibitors and 58 percent of the visitors came from outside
Read MoreLight, strong composite ductwork keys aircraft comfort
While passengers never see them, ventilation ducts are an important part of any airliner. Their fabrication and performance specifications are more complicated than one might suspect. Complex shapes are required to fit within the curved fuselage, yet they must withstand high temperatures and some pressure cycling
Read MoreMonitoring the cure itself
The latest technologies measure the matrix resin's actual cure state, saving time and money.
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