Application of

composite&smart
materials
In aircraft structures

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By p.dhandapani,r.johnarthor
[Pick the date]
Introduction:composites
Composites are materials made from two or more
components that have significantly different physical
or chemical properties which remain distinct (on a
macroscopic level) within the finished structure. The
advantage of composite materials is that the properties
they exhibit are different to simply the sum of
The properties of the constituent materials.

Composites consist of reinforcement and matrix

material. The reinforcement, which generally takes
the form of fibres, has high tensile strength but is
susceptible to breakage. In contrast, the matrix
which surrounds and supports the reinforcement has a
relatively low tensile strength but is extremely
tough. When combined, the matrix and the
reinforcement, counteract each other’s weaknesses to
produce a material that is stronger, stiffer and more
damage resistant than either material alone.
Smart materials:
Smart materials are materials which have properties
such as viscosity, volume,
colour that can be dramatically altered by changing the
conditions they are subject to. Examples of
external stimuli that cause smart materials to alter
include changes in loading, temperature,
moisture, electric or magnetic fields. The property that
can be altered will determine which
applications it can be used for. Some smart materials
and structures can be described as ‘sensual’
devices as they can sense their environment and provide
a signal in response. Other smart
materials go beyond this, they not only sense but adapt
to their environment. One example is shapememory
alloys, alloys which change shape in response to
external stimuli, usually temperature
Composites used in airbus aircraft

Sandwich panels:
• One type of composite structure used in aerospace
is the sandwich
Panels.in this light weight core material honeycomb is
sandwiched
Between two laminated composite sheets known as
skin.
• Some airlines no longer favour sandwich panels as
repairing in replacement of panels and because the
 composite laminate skins are typically thin and
reduced hail resistance.
• Sandwich panels are used in floors,

bulkhea ds,even
in skin & wings
Use of composite in commercial
and military aircraft:
Ceramic matrix composites
• Cmc have been developed to overcome brittleness
& lack of realiability.
• Aviation application for this material include
combustor liners and blades
• Jetengines require the use of these material that are
very strong,light weight,and able to sustain high
levels of heat.

Smart materials:
• Smart materials can modify their functional
characteristics if it stimulated to electric or
magnectic fields,temperature,light etc.
• In aircraft structures ,the type of smart materials
such as shape memory alloys,micro electro
magnectic actuators,high temperature
electromagnectic valves are using.
application of smart materials
 With this
technology, the area of the nozzle can be varied for
optimum exhaust flow characteristics in different flight
conditions, with reduced weight and mechanical
complexity compared to current variable area nozzles.
Previous issues limiting the use of this material to small
components have now been solved by a small change
in the alloy; the next challenge is bringing the prototype
nozzle onto a production engine. The team will also
look to increase the temperature capability of the alloys
so that they can be used within the engine core.
  Another technology under development is smart
electro-magnetic actuators for active turbine tip
clearance
control. Tip clearance control is very important as the
air that leaks over the turbine tip does not impart energy
to the turbine, hence resulting in a reduction in its
efficiency and increased fuel burn and emissions. The
idea is
that smart electro-magnetic actuators would be placed
in the engine casing where they could move the seals in
and out, in response to the turbine blades expansion and
contraction with temperature, thereby ensuring a
suitable level of tip clearance is maintained over the
flight envelope.

 Throughout the flight

cycle, different amounts of fuel are needed in different
areas of the engine’s combustor. These hightemperature
electromagnetic valves can potentially be used to
precisely control the amount of fuel distribution,
helping to increase fuel efficiency and minimise
emissions.
Conclusion:
Advanced materials needed to reduce
environmental aviations impact
The improvement of composite and smart materials
increases the lifespan of the aircraft.