Carbon fiber composite products are gradually becoming the future solution in aeronautical engineering. The excellent aesthetics we see on the Airbus A350 XWB and Boeing 787 Dreamliner are just the tip of the iceberg of what carbon fiber material is capable of. Commercial airlines are betting on the efficiency of aerodynamic design, lightness and resistant materials.
An aerodynamic, lightweight aircraft means fewer parts requirements and a significantly reduced fuel cost for commercial airlines. On a large scale, these margin savings open up capital and allow airlines to expand their business and increase demand for aircraft manufacturers.
Increases fuel efficiency
In the airline industry, it's no secret that a light aircraft is more fuel efficient and relatively cheaper to operate. One of the highest costs of operating an aircraft is fuel, and reducing the cost it operates significantly reduces the overall cost of operating jets. With a 20% reduction in weight, it is no surprise that aircraft manufacturers and airlines are turning to carbon fiber composite materials in aircraft manufacturing.
A lighter aircraft does not mean it is less robust; The carbon fiber composite is incredibly strong for its weight. However, although these savings are marginal, they add up and aviation experts estimate savings of $1 million over the lifetime of a single aircraft.
Improves aerodynamic performance
Many factors contribute to an aircraft's fuel efficiency, and one of the significant influencers is aerodynamic performance. This kind of performance is due to new, sleeker designs. Manufacturers now rely on the flexibility and strength of carbon composite material to design aircraft bodies with optimal aerodynamic performance. When this is achieved, aerodynamic drag can be reduced by up to 5%, reducing fuel consumption to a greater extent.
Reduces the number of parts
Aircraft made from carbon fiber present a significant cost reduction because they require fewer parts to hold the structure together. Using traditional materials like aluminum, the massive Airbus A380 requires approximately six million parts. With new carbon fiber composite parts, it is possible to combine many parts in one mold, which greatly reduces the number of components used in the manufacturing process.
The collective cost reduction using carbon fiber composite materials includes fewer personnel on the production line, less time spent manufacturing, and fewer parts needed means savings in manufacturing and maintenance costs.
Future aircraft designs
Engineering technology is getting better and better in many sectors that are reaping its benefits. With many benefits enjoyed by the aviation industry offered by current carbon fiber innovations, the future of aircraft looks promising. Aircraft designers have more freedom to overcome current limitations, guided by aviation regulations regarding fuel efficiency and aerodynamics. The future of commercial aircraft designs will aim to increase fuselage space, allowing for more passengers and classes, while striving to meet the highest safety standards.
We are seeing a lot of these innovations and technologies, especially in military aircraft. These new aircraft designs will impact and improve all the forces acting on aircraft performance, lift-to-weight and lift-to-drag relationships.
