Aerospace Advanced Composites In Automobiles
Topics: automotive, automobile, advanced composites, engineered composites
There is currently very little potential for advanced-composite technology in high-volume automotive applications. That is not to say that advanced composites have not been or will not be used in the distant future (more than 10 years). For example, advanced composites (e.g., carbon fiber) are currently used in several specialty road cars, concept cars, and in many racing cars. However, these are not produced in high-volume or for use in large parts.
In the United States and Europe, the barrier to acceptance of advanced composites in the automotive industry is price vs. performance. While parts integration and large parts are a potential advantage for engineered and advanced composites over metal (steel included), the cycle times and material costs for advanced composites may still present a barrier to full-scale acceptance in the automotive industry in the near future.
Advanced composites, which are composed of oriented, high-performance fibers (e.g., carbon) in a high-performance resin matrix (e.g., epoxy), provide enhanced structural, electrical, and thermal properties to numerous aerospace applications. The materials are costly, and the fabrication processes are slow. The number of units that are produced is small when compared to high-volume automotive applications. Advanced composite technology is technically appreciated by the automotive industry but is currently not accepted because of formidable costs.
The cost of high-performance fibers (specifically carbon fiber) has been a continuing barrier to full-scale adaptation of advanced composites. Guideline experts estimate that carbon fibers used in the less sophisticated aerospace applications can cost $15 to $60/lb, whereas those used in sporting goods could cost $8 to $15. For carbon fibers to be a feasible option to be used in industrial applications (automotive, oil well tubes, etc), they should cost around $5/lb. However, the realistic threshold for the cost of carbon fibers is probably $6 to $8/lb. Even if some of the giants in the automotive industry can force down the price point of carbon fibers by buying in large volumes, no carbon fiber producer is expected to be able to fulfill the entire demand on time.
Engineered composites, which are composed of unoriented, discontinuous or continuous, low-cost fibers (e.g., glass) and a commodity thermoplastic matrix (e.g., polypropylene) or thermoset matrix (e.g., polyester) are well established in the automotive industry. The cost of materials is low and the fabrication times are relatively fast, ranging from a few seconds (thermoplastic GMT) to a few minutes (thermoset SMC).
Several developments in the field of engineered composites may help expedite the adaptation of advanced composites in the automotive industry. For example, oriented, continuous fiber preforms have been introduced, which will reduce fabrication time for resin infusion processes (RTM, VARTM, SRIM, and RRIM). A second example is the development of new machinery to mix and inject long glass fibers in the form of sheets. This process could provide a serious threat to both GMT and long fiber pellets.
Separately, the carbon fiber industry is reacting to the pressure to reduce fiber cost. A certain amount of progress is being made, but the optimum volumes to achieve the lowest costs are still a few years away.
Brian Reuter is Director of Product Realization at Guideline, Inc. Guideline provides research, product realization, expert witness and consulting services. Learn more at www.intota.com.
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Moving From Round To Flat In Automotive Wire Harnesses (1)
All the major instrument panel producers such as Visteon and Delphi, are developing these multiplexed, integrated instrument panels. Hence, all of the wire harness producers are developing FFC and/or flex circuits for use in the instrument panel.
How To Improve Gas Mileage To Save Money (2)
To determine the appropriate tire pressure, you should consult the owner's manual or scan tire sidewalls. Wheel alignment is also important, as improper aligning causes early tire wear. It is recommended to check the alignment about every 10,000 miles.
Speak Clearly - The Top 7 Tricks To Instantly Improve The Clarity Of Your Speech (3)
If you are articulating the /g/ and /k/ sounds correctly, you should feel an explosion of air when you make the /k/ sound. 6) Use Consistent Word Stress To a native English speaker, a certain word stress is considered appropriate or inappropriate depending on where the person is from.
Working With Animals And Maintaining Hygiene (4)
It takes a while for the heart rate to return to normal after exercising because the dog still had adrenalin around the body and it takes awhile for the heart to stop pumping faster and for the breathing to go back to normal this is because the adrenalin needs to wear-down in the system.
Fun Pet Products For Birds (5)
There are many toys that make excellent pet products for birds that are active for the better part of a day. Some birds are not concerned with toys because they have poor eyesight and are content to feel a strong perch under their feet.
Story-Telling Basics - 7 Powerful Steps To Telling Great Stories! (6)
Heather Hansen, founder of Singapore-based Hansen Speech & Language Training, is an executive speech and language coach, writer and trainer. Become a star speaker! Join her mailing list today at www.hansenslt.com to receive a free special report and her monthly newsletter, Speak like a Star!
English Word Stress - Does It Really Matter? (7)
This is a perfect example of how inaccurate word stress can cause problems. And in this case, both the pilot and the flight attendant were non-native English speakers. Stress indicates parts of speech Word stress can also differentiate a word's part of speech - more specifically whether the word is a noun or a verb.
Mold Dogs Are Not Used By Professionals (8)
Mold dogs only detect if mold exists on the property, not how much exists or how toxic it is. The use of dogs to locate mold in the home is also obviously detrimental to the health of the dog.
Low Cost Airlines And Cheap Fare - Are Indian Budget Travelers Really Satisfied? (9)
The notable of them are Spice Jet, Go Air and Indigo. The low cost carriers has not only become a boon for the middle class but it has also helped air passengers across the board as full service airlines have been compelled to reorganize their pricing structure and stay attractive for passengers who are constantly looking for better deals.
The Different Ways To Learn Golf (10)
Hire a Personal Tutor There are golfers who would love to share their knowledge. You could check around your area if there some golfers who live near you. You could also check on various news media, not only the newspapers but also on the web for advertisements.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
5 Things To Avoid When Writing A Resource Box (1)
The best way to look at it is 50% of the information comes from the article writing, and the other 50% comes from the resource box. By including irrelevant information and jumping around themes, you are wasting your time and the readers.
Mold Can Hurt Your Pets Health (2)
Topics: water damage , water damage restoration, mold remediation, mold removal If you have mold in your place of residence and you are a healthy adult that is not responsible for the health of anyone else, you might think that it is alright to continue living there until you can afford to have the mold removed professionally.
4 Novice Antique Appraisal Tips (3)
Have you ever wondered where those pieces came from, or in what year they were made? An antique appraisal can help you identify the articles you have stored and let you know if they are monetarily valuable, or just sentimentally valuable.
Old Furniture Starting Your Home Project (4)
A very light sanding (really just scuffing) can help your new paint adhere to old oil paint or a glossy surface. 3. Prep, prep, prep: The number one reason for paint failures is incorrect preparation.
This Simple Step Can Save You A Bundle On Airfares -- But Most People Don't Do It (5)
While the Internet is still a great place to find deals, the airlines have finally become Internet-savvy. If you're not careful, you'll pay more than you have to for that vacation.
How To Decide On The Correct Tires For Driving In The Harsh Conditions Of Winter (6)
If you read and look over these steps every time winter season is approaching it can help you drive safely on the snow and ice filled roads. These steps will help you buy and have safe tires on your automobile during the winter season.
How To Keep Your Home Treadmill Running Properly (7)
Slide a clean towel under the tread belt and wipe the deck and under the belt. Rotate belt 180 degrees and repeat. Check drive belt tension and adjust as necessary.
Dish Network Vs Direct TV: A Sports Fan's View (8)
Now, you might think I'm a bit crazy, trying out both systems, but I figured since my family already owns a small house in the mountains where we like to escape to on the weekends (which, by the way happens to be peak sports watching time), I figured "what'd we have to lose?" So, I took the plunge and ordered a subscription to both Dish Network and Direct TV.
Some Things You Should Know About High Performance All Season Tires (9)
Nobody wants that, that's why it is so important to get your tires changed by a professional. Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach Florida. Find more about tires as well as high performance wheels at www.vintagewheelsplus.com
Simple Trick To Get The Lowest Rental Car Price (10)
Topics: rental cars, priceline.com, cheap rental cars, discount rental cars, save on rental cars Are you going on vacation soon and can't decide if you should rent a car or not?