SEMINAR ON

COMPOSITE
MATERIALS IN AEROSPACE
APPLICATIONS
 Introduction to Composite Materials
 Classification of composite
 Application of composites in aerospace

 Advantages & Disadvantages of composites

 Conclusions
 References
 Composite material is a material composed of two
or more distinct phases(matrix phase and
dispersed phase) which are chemically &
physically different
 Composites are used because overall properties
of the composites are superior to those of the
individual components

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The primary phase, having a continuous character , is
called matrix. Matrix is usually more ductile and less hard
phase. It holds the dispersed phase and shares a load with it.
The second phase (or phases) which is embedded in the
matrix is called dispersed phase. Dispersed phase
is usually stronger than the matrix, therefore it is called
reinforcing phase

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 Composites

Fiber Structural
Particulate reinforced
reinforced
Large Dispersion Laminates Sandwich
Particle Strengthened Panels
Continuous Discontinuous

Aligned Random

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 Particulate reinforced

LargeParticle Dispersion
strengthened

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Fiber reinforced

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 Structural

Sandwich
Panels
Laminates

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• High strength to weight ratio (low density high
tensile strength)

• High creep resistance

• High tensile strength at elevated

temperatures

• High toughness

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 Polymeric matrices in aerospace:

 Thermoset resins
 polyester , Epoxy,Phenol,Polyimide

 Thermoplastics
 PolyPhenyleneSulifide(PPS),
 PolyEtherEtherKetone(PEEK),
 PolyEtherimide (PEI)

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 Following are the some composites in
aerospace :
 Metals (aluminium, titanium etc.)
 Glass
 Ceramics

 Hybrid(composites)
 Carbon aramid reinforced epoxy
 Glass Carbon reinforced epoxy

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The Boeing 777 is a long-range wide- body twin-engine jet 
airliner manufactured by Boeing commercial airplanes. It is the world's largest 
twinjet and has a capacity of over 300 passengers, with a range of 5,235 to 
9,380 nautical miles (9,695 to 17,370 km) .12% composites are used

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 composite materials will play an increasingly
significant role in aerospace application
 B787,A350-XWB used more than 50% composite
materials
 With their unique combination of properties such as
low weight, high strength, low flammability, smoke
density and heat release, non-toxicity and
durability, composites are ideal for many aerospace
applications, both for interior and exterior
components.

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 Mainly from Reference 1: “Low-cost composite
materials and structures for aircraft
applications”, Doe R.B., Starnes, J.H.,
Holzwarth, R.C.,May 2001.
 Callister’s Materials science
andengineering,wiley india publication
 Composite materials for aerospace
applications.P D MANGALGIRI Aeronautical
Development Agency, Vimanapura PO,
Bangalore 560017, India

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