Application of CFRP in Aerodynamics

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer has found a lot of use in aerodynamics. For the same strength, a carbon-fiber frame weighs less than a aircraft of any alloy. The New arrived Boeing (fuselage) 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWB will be composed of CFRP, making the aircraft lighter than a comparable aluminum fuselage, with the added benefit of less maintenance thanks to CFRP's superior fatigue resistance.

[1. Thick large-sized panel of a high-aspect swept-forward wing of the highly maneuverable aircraft made from high-modulus CFRP by automated lay-up technique with the use of special non-metallic moulding equipment.
A kit of 4 panels (two upper panels and two lower panels):

A. Mass of one panel - no more than 250 kg
B. Plan size - more than 6500x2500 mm2
C. Thickness - more than 18 mmLarge panel thickness and overall dimensions, as well as stringent requirements placed upon the accuracy of the aerodynamic surface, render this development unique. High accuracy of the aerodynamic surface has been obtained.]

Due to its high ratio of strength to weight, CFRP is widely used in micro air vehicles (MAVs). In MAVSTAR Project, the CFRP structures reduce the weight of the MAV significantly. In addition, the high stiffness of the CFRP blades overcome the problem of collision between blades under strong wind.

CFRP is used, either as standard equipment or aftermarket parts, in high performance radio controlled vehicles and aircraft, i.a. for the main rotor blades of radio controlled helicopters -- which should be light and stiff to perform 3D manoeuvres.

Fire resistance of polymers or thermoset composites is significantly improved if a thin layer of carbon fibers is molded near the surface -- dense, compact layer of carbon fibers efficiently reflects heat. This property is also make it important in this field.