Lighter Materials Future in Aviation

The future of lightweighting is being debated extensively in the aviation industry. One organization interested in researching this topic is the Aerospace Industries Association. Here are some of the main points of contention. The topics covered include carbon fibre, 3D-woven technical textile, bio-based composite resin, and iStream Superlight. Lightweighting has a bright future in aviation and has the potential to transform the industry.

The sports goods industry is helping to fuel the growing demand for carbon fibre. This lightweight and long-lasting material give designers and manufacturers more options when creating products. In 2016, China had the largest regional share of the carbon fibre market, with India close behind. The focus on recycling materials and reducing the carbon footprint are two significant factors driving the market in India. Recycling, in addition to lowering carbon footprint, lowers overall production and manufacturing costs.

Carbon fibre, on the other hand, is an expensive material. Its production requires a high level of precision and costly materials. While it is not inexpensive today, it will be within a few decades. Carbon fibre is used in various products, including massive wind turbines. Many manufacturers are still concerned about its costs and benefits, but the material's high demand and soaring cost drive its growth.

Engineers at the University of Surrey have created 3D-woven, a new type of technical textile. These materials are highly rigid and can withstand high vibrations. Furthermore, they have excellent sound dampening properties. Initially used in cars to increase the strength of the body shell, engineers discovered that these materials could also provide extra space for the vehicle.

Engineered preforms make manual composite fabrication processes less complicated. As a result, the 3D weaving process can create lightweight composites in hours rather than days. Engineered preforms boost productivity as well. These benefits are expected to drive 3D fabric adoption. Technocrats will continue to design new fabrics, processes, and materials as 3-D textiles gain acceptance.

Gordon Murray Design's iStream Superlight automotive manufacturing system is intended to replace individual chassis designs for each model variant. The iStream system, initially designed for Formula One racing, is now available in a 'Superlight' evolution. It comprises an aluminium, thin-walled tubular frame and honeycomb recycled carbon-composite panels.

Gordon Murray Design is developing a new lightweight sports car based on the technology in addition to the iStream Superlight. It is expected to weigh less than two thousand pounds, which is a fraction of the weight of a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The 2.0-litre engine in the Mazda Miata produces 181 horsepower. Murray intends to license the technology to any manufacturer, with TVR being the first. In 2019, TVR will enter the Griffith sports car market.

MAESO, a new bio-based composite resin, has been introduced to the market. It has properties similar to conventional unplasticized resins (UPRs) and several advantages over traditional UPRs. It is biodegradable and works well with other materials such as wood and metal. It is also compostable. It is also expected to reduce its carbon footprint, allowing it to be used in various applications.

Although bio-based composites have been on the market for a while, most research and academic literature have focused on their potential applications. When compared to synthetic materials, bio-based materials have significant environmental benefits. However, bio-based composites have several drawbacks, including flammability, low thermal resistance, and variation across fibres. Furthermore, bio-based feedstocks are challenging to produce and market. As a result, competition from other industries is a growing concern, but it also serves as a driving force for bio-based feedstock innovation.