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Aerospace Composites (Technical Insights)
Frost & Sullivan, Nov 2010, Pages: 86
This research service provides a detailed insight into the latest technology trends in the commercial aerospace composite industry. The service starts off with the types of composites identified in the sphere followed by the various techniques employed in their manufacture. A detailed explanation of the industry drivers and challenges substantiated with the regulations and research initiatives has been provided. A strategic evaluation of the major composite technologies is done along with a detailed evaluation of the global technology capabilities and its impact on the stakeholders has been mapped in this study.
This research service titled Aerospace Composites provides an overview of the emerging trends in the market, focusing on both material and manufacturing technologies for composites in the commercial aerospace industry. The study provides an outline of various collaborations, partnerships, government and industrial funding, and the worldwide mergers and acquisitions. It also includes the regulatory factors influencing the aerospace composites market and the steps taken by the industry to meet the challenges posed by these regulations.
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Technology Overview
Composites Steadily Supplant Use of Metals in Commercial Aircraft Owing to Weight Reduction Capabilities
Considered one of the breakthrough innovations in the materials sector, composites have gained increasing traction with their capacity to enable aircraft weight reduction. Their lightweight feature that offers fuel efficiency is the primary factor driving uptake of the technology in the aerospace sector. Since the 1970s, composites have witnessed widespread adoption in the aerospace industry, replacing pure glass, aluminum, steel, and titanium-based parts. Composites are also easier to manufacture on a large scale. “The Canadian, Australian, and United States Governments have taken a proactive stance to promote environmental protection and are actively funding research in composites used in aerospace applications,” notes the analyst of this research service. “In order to achieve fuel efficiency, big as well as small participants in the aerospace sector have been gradually increasing the use of composites in different parts of aircraft.” Although composites were developed during the 1930s, their applications were limited to making molds or dies for prototype aircraft components and in tooling for aircraft. These first-of-the-kind composites consisted of glass fibers reinforced with phenolic resins. During the Second World War, the applications of these composites extended to fabrication of aircraft parts such as ducts (of diverse shapes), engine nacelles, and radomes.
Despite the tangible benefits they offer, composites have some disadvantages that are restraining market progression. Composites are replacing metals in aircraft parts, however, repairing them involves some technicalities, unlike in the case of metals. The damage must be detected, repaired, and finally, the product must be certified. Each stage is intricate and requires expert knowledge, which is not readily available. Issues such as delamination of composites are difficult to detect and necessitate sensors and other complex detection systems. On the contrary, any damage in metal parts can be easily mended using the traditional welding technique.
To move market prospects forward, research efforts must be stepped up to understand the properties of composites under normal as well as stress conditions. Besides, new testing and damage detection systems must be identified. The results of such efforts may be used to provide proper training and assistance to industrial participants. In addition, this will help expand the expertise of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies with regard to composites. The market has been witnessing a series of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) among composite suppliers, distributors, parts manufacturers, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). In light of the economic downturn, governments are expected to trim military budgets. Companies that had earlier invested in military projects will currently be looking to enter the commercial aviation sector through M&As. “As composites and their applications provide growth prospects in an already mature market, M&As of private research bodies and small companies could provide a strategic entry point,” says the analyst. “Such initiatives can lead to the integration of technology and product expertise and result in durable and better performing aircraft structures.”
Technologies
The following technologies are covered in this research:
- Carbon fiber composites
- Fiber reinforced composites
- Metal matrix composites
- Ceramic matrix composites
- Nanocomposites
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