46
2
the airframe of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft shown in
. Fig. 2.17. The use of composites reduces the weight of aircraft and
improves their fuel efficiency.
Composites with advanced technologies (such as 3-D woven
fabric-reinforced composites, hybrid composites, UV-resistant
skins, electrically conductive composites, smart and intelligent
composites, etc.) will facilitate faster construction of future aircraft.
Aeronautic structures (such as fuselage, control surfaces, light aircraft construction, internal fittings, partitions and floors, window
masks, galley units and trolleys, structural members, satellite components, aerials and associated enclosures, ground support equipment components, etc.) may be readily replaced by composites.
The Robo-Raven is a micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
shown in . Fig. 2.18. It is made out of composites, weighs 9.7 g,
and has a wing span of 34.3 cm. This UAV can carry a payload of
approximately 6 g. It is made out of carbon fibre, 3-D printed
lightweight thermal-resistant plastic, Mylar® (a type of polyester)
film, and foam. Robo-Raven glides, soars, and flaps like a real
bird. It has the remarkable ability to hide in plain sight due to its
small size.
. Fig. 2.16 Greenhouse [34]
. Fig. 2.17 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft [35]
Chapter 2 · Advantages and Applications of Polymeric Composites
2
the airframe of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft shown in
. Fig. 2.17. The use of composites reduces the weight of aircraft and
improves their fuel efficiency.
Composites with advanced technologies (such as 3-D woven
fabric-reinforced composites, hybrid composites, UV-resistant
skins, electrically conductive composites, smart and intelligent
composites, etc.) will facilitate faster construction of future aircraft.
Aeronautic structures (such as fuselage, control surfaces, light aircraft construction, internal fittings, partitions and floors, window
masks, galley units and trolleys, structural members, satellite components, aerials and associated enclosures, ground support equipment components, etc.) may be readily replaced by composites.
The Robo-Raven is a micro unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
shown in . Fig. 2.18. It is made out of composites, weighs 9.7 g,
and has a wing span of 34.3 cm. This UAV can carry a payload of
approximately 6 g. It is made out of carbon fibre, 3-D printed
lightweight thermal-resistant plastic, Mylar® (a type of polyester)
film, and foam. Robo-Raven glides, soars, and flaps like a real
bird. It has the remarkable ability to hide in plain sight due to its
small size.
. Fig. 2.16 Greenhouse [34]
. Fig. 2.17 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft [35]
Chapter 2 · Advantages and Applications of Polymeric Composites