Tow steering, Part 2: The next generation
Wings on next-generation commercial aircraft will be longer, thinner, more aerodynamic and more efficient. They also are ideal candidates for the application of steered tows. One project aimed to design, fabricate and quantify a tow-steered wing skin.
#feature #787
The markets: Electronics (2021)
Consumer demand in the electronics market for greater durability and more features at lower cost and weight is driving OEMs toward composite solutions.
#electronics #feature #multitudeofmarkets
The markets: Pressure vessels (2021)
Demand for composite pressure vessels for storage of natural gas and hydrogen is expected to increase substantially over the next decade as OEMs and governments look for ways to reduce vehicle emissions.
#feature #multitudeofmarkets
The markets: Boatbuilding and marine (2021)
Boat sales surge during pandemic, carbon fiber continues to increase with demand for electric power, foiling and performance, while progress is seen for glass fiber composites in ships, 3D printing and recycling.
#feature #multitudeofmarkets
The markets: Oil and gas (2021)
Composites continue to play a critical role in onshore hydraulic fracturing, and thermoplastic composites are on the rise for deepwater pipelines.
#feature #cuttingtools #windblades
The markets: Sports and recreation (2021)
The use of lightweight and high-performance composite materials in sports equipment continues to increase.
#cuttingtools #feature #biomaterials
The markets: Industrial (2021)
Composites often must meet a certain aesthetic in applications where the consumer is the end user. But fiber-reinforced materials are just as valuable in industrial applications where corrosion resistance, high strength and durability are the performance drivers.
#feature #layup #multitudeofmarkets
The markets: Civil infrastructure (2021)
Composites are slated for growth in bridges, water treatment systems, rebar and other concrete reinforcement, offering longer service life, competitive costs and improved sustainability.
#frprebar #feature #infrastructure
The markets: Aerospace (2021)
The coronavirus pandemic, a once-in-a-millennia global catastrophe, has depressed commercial air travel in unprecedented and disastrous ways. Implications start with the airlines themselves and trickle down to major airframers and the entire tier structure of the aerospace supply chain.
#boeing #nextgenaerospace #spiritaerosystems
The markets: Utility infrastructure (2021)
Corroded metal infrastructure continues to be a problem, and composite materials, including new advancements in graphene nanotubes, are providing solutions.
#feature #outofautoclave #multitudeofmarkets
The markets: Renewable energy (2021)
Wind energy continues to dominate in this segment and remains the world’s largest market for glass fiber-reinforced composites.
#siemensgamesa #feature #vestas
2020 CW Top Shops recognizes top-performing facilities
CW's second annual Top Shops benchmarking survey helps composites fabricators put their operations into perspective and illuminates top-ranking facilities.
#feature #cwtopshops
AFP tow steering comes of age, Part 1: Current state
It used to be enough that AFP systems could precisely and quickly place and cut multiple tows to build complex aerostructures. Now, fabricators need those tows steered, and the tighter the radius, the better.
#nextgenaerospace #f-35 #airbus
Moving forward on the Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD)
Clean Sky 2’s MFFD program continues to move toward its goal of delivering a welded, thermoplastic composite fuselage demonstrator using next-generation manufacturing processes.
#cleansky #nextgenaerospace #feature
Reprocessable thermosets and thermoplastic epoxies: An expanding landscape
New chemistries give thermosets new thermoplastic-like versatility.
#feature
Carbon fiber in pressure vessels for hydrogen
The emerging H2 economy drives tank development for aircraft, ships and gas transport.
#cleansky #feature #aramidfiber
Next-generation composites qualification
Fully digital qualification hasn’t yet arrived, but simulation and analysis software continue to evolve and work together with physical testing practices.
#nextgenaerospace #feature
Bridging the gap between CFRP and CMC
Novel composites offer performance up to 1000°C with faster processing.
#ceramicmatrixcomposites #feature
Automated aerocomposites production: Liquid molding or welded thermoplastic?
Two materials and process approaches are demonstrated for CFRP bulkhead production.
#nextgenaerospace #feature #automation
3D printing with continuous fiber: A landscape
Growth continues in suppliers, part size, production volume and markets.
#feature