APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

Ogakwu Paul Andrew & Okpanachi George Echiye

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State

Mechanical and Manufacturing Division, Centre for Satellite Technology Development, Abuja

Email: okpanachi1976@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Composites materials are intended to be used more extensively as an alternative of aluminium structure in aircraft and aerospace applications. This is due to their attractive properties as high strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness to weight ratio. Besides that it clarifies the growing interest for composite materials due to advantages of lightweight, high strength, high stiffness, superior fatigue life, tremendous corrosion resistance and low cost manufacturing. Composites have attractive mechanical and physical properties that are now being utilized in automotive industry. New fibres, polymers, and processing techniques for all classes of composites are constantly being developed. Research is also on going to improve repair techniques, recyclability, and the bonding between fibres and matrix materials.