Composites in Aerospace

The aerospace industry has been using a considerable amount of composite materials since the early 60's in the construction of aircraft for air transportation.  The first commercial airplanes that went into mass production were primarily built from aluminium, steel, and titanium alloys. The introduction of composite materials in aeronautics has made for more efficient, safer, and more economical production of aircraft.

The last four decades has seen the aerospace sector undergo a small revolution as a result of composite materials implemented in aircraft and helicopter production. Fibreglass composites were the first composite materials to be used by the aerospace industry, followed by two other composites, i.e. carbon fibre and aramid fibre, added in the early 70's.

The main applications of composite materials for helicopter and aircraft interior design include the fabrication of instrument panels, fuselage skin panels, and fuselage fairing panels. Some of the main advantages of using composite materials are the relatively low fabrication and installation costs, as well as lower toxicity and increased resistance to fire.

One great innovation that would allow for implementation of composite materials is the ability to fabricate complex parts in one piece (particularly through thermoforming), hence greatly reducing costs related to machining and to component assembly. Through research and innovation, the development of composites has enabled parts to be designed with unique physical and chemical properties, such parts intended for specific uses and meeting the specific needs of the industry. Besides offering the opportunity to design durable and resistant parts, this type of material also has the advantage of providing excellent resistance to corrosion.

The considerable interest shown by aerospace components manufacturer for such composite materials is ongoing. Whether for manufacturing aircraft interiors or structural parts, composite materials provide the industry with definite opportunities and advantages when paired with traditional materials and alloys.