Aerospace Advanced Composites In Automobiles
Keywords: 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:
Tips On Choosing A Wedding Car (1)
The specialist repairers are hard to find and any parts need to be made. Years ago weddings were a local affair, but now with more choice of venues on offer, people will travel several miles to find the destination of their dreams.
Choose The Right Limousine For Your Needs (2)
For persons with special needs or for special requests speak to the company representative. Any reasonable need or request will be taken into consideration and every attempt will be made to accommodate you.
How To Locate A BMW Indianapolis Dealership Close To You (3)
A beneficial thought is to locate a few dealerships that you prefer, so that you have narrowed it down, and then you can visit these in person and talk to the sales staff there so that you can get more information, and so that you can really see the cars for yourself.
The First True Production Model Porsche The Porsche 356 (4)
The original 356 was featured in many Hollywood films and now brings over $100,000 at auto specialty auctions and through private dealers, if you are lucky enough to find one.
Booster Seats Protect Children (5)
Children should stay in their car safety seat as long as possible before moving to a booster seat. Once your child reaches the upper weight or height allowed for your seat, as listed on the label and instruction manual for the seat), or his/her ears have reached the top of the seat, it's time to move to the booster seat.
Some More Common Car Sales Tricks (6)
They are all designed to achieve the same purpose and that is to get you to sign on the dotted line. Let's take a look at some more of the common methods out there today.
Some Of The Many Reasons You Need To Protect Your Car's Finish With A Car Cover (7)
There are many reasons to purchase a car cover. The sun's UV and UB rays can cause damage to your paint and finish on your vehicle. Over a span of a few years the finish on your vehicle can begin to rust if not cared for properly.
Japanese Car Makers Aren't The Only Ones Producing Hybrids (8)
Keywords: hybrid vehicles, automotive, cars, trucks, car care When you think of cars, Ford is probably one of the first things that come to mind. It has been around the American car landscape for a century and people often think highly of the company and of the model T.
Low Cost Tractors: What Factors Should You Look For When You Want To Buy One? (9)
Once you have decided on the HP rating of the tractor you want to buy, focus on other important details, such as the price of the machine, and the likely maintenance costs, you could have to incur.
Obstacles To Overcome When Renting A Car (10)
When the rental car agency does not have compact cars in their fleet, then car renters can get a larger car for the price of the compact that is in an ad or on a coupon they have.
What Are Hybrid Automotives? (11)
The hybrid vehicle works by using electric as well as gasoline power. Diesel electric vehicles are also there but there numbers are quite low. The hybrid vehicle works by using electric power when the requirement for engine power is low for example when starting the vehicle and up to the speed of 30-40 mph as the electric source cannot run a vehicle by itself.
Online Classified Ad Tips For Selling A Used Car (12)
If the prospective buyer is late or does not show up, do not feel obligated to wait or hold the car for them, just move on to the next person.
Contract Hire: How Does It Work And What Can I Get? (13)
Complete with metallic paint and top of the range interior it provides the prestige and class associated with a saloon car at an affordable rate that you can account for.
Here Are A Few Buying Tips I Learned From My Years In The Car Business (14)
Make sure you shop with the proper attitude. Try not to be eager while shopping, because salespeople can tell when you are desperate, and they will not hesitate to take advantage.
How To Improve Gas Mileage To Save Money (15)
Planning a trip in advance helps to avoid the stop-and-go traffic of a congested road, which damages gas mileage. Checking traffic reports helps drivers select the best routes. 2) Save gas by lowering your use of the air conditioner.
My Goldwing Trike - Cured My Mid Life Crisis (16)
I have now taken delivery of a second hand 2005 Gl18800 Honda goldwing trike in a metallic white and it is absolutely stunning. It is the anniversary edition with the cobra sidecar conversion and is in showroom condition, however at nearly 35,000 bucks it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Time To Vote Yes Or No On Motorcycle Protective Clothing (17)
Both of these types of injuries can be very excruciating especially if you survive them. Good news, clothing can play an vital part in reducing the injury level in both types of these injuries.
Simple Car Maintenance Tips That Will Keep Your Car Running Properly (18)
Tires should be rotated every 7,000 miles. Inspect them visually every month for tire wear, punctures, and bulges. Pay attention to your battery. If you see white deposits forming on the terminals, clean them with a wire brush and then clean the battery with a mixture of baking soda and water.
Gas Prices Reach Record Heights (19)
Other examples include a 170,000-barrel-per-day plant in McKee, Texas, which was shut down for a month, and a 470,000 barrels-per-day plant in Texas City operating at less than half capacity." In the face of what some say are America's highest average gas prices ever, the U.S.
Facts You Need To Know About Hybrid Cars (20)
Hybrid means that something additional has been mixed with the original. A hybrid car has a gas engine as well as an electric motor which runs on batteries. These batteries get automatically charged when the vehicle is running.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Why Leasing Your Next Car Makes Better Sense Than Buying One! (1)
For those individuals that still want to have something to 'show' for the money they've spent over the years, there is personal contract purchase or PCP as most people know it by.
Buying A Classic Car (2)
Many people make the mistake of relying on the MOT certificate which is a good indication don't rely on this alone. Try to see the engine start up from cold - if it is already warm the vendor may be trying to hide cold - starting problems by getting it started before your arrive.
Looking To Rent An RV - 5 Things You Need To Know (3)
Casey Markee is a consultant with worldwide #1 car rental software provider www.RentCentric.com. Visit them online for detailed information on their on-demand industry leading car rental and RV rental software and download a free 15-day trial or try an online demo today.
When Buying Motorcycle Boots Safety Takes First Place Over Fashion (4)
But now they are very stylish and prefer to dress in sport wear. They love wearing trendy shoes, and designer sport t-shirts and jeans. They wear funky elbow and knee caps of different colors and styles to sport their look.
The Use Of Car Battery (5)
You may acquire higher CCA rating in colder climates because they can provide the needed power to an inefficient engine. There's no doubt that the topic of car battery can be fascinating.
Hire A Limousine, You Will Not Regret It (6)
It can be something as simple as two friends going to dinner. Although there is not really anything very special about that, a limousine would kick it up a notch.
What You Need To Know About The Proper Tires For Winter Driving (7)
However, do not use metal stud tires during times in which you are not experiencing wintry weather. Otherwise, there could be damage caused to the roads. Additionally, you could risk getting in legal trouble, since metal studs are only allowed during the winter season.
Getting Satellite For Your RV Makes Life Easy On The Road (8)
There are different types of satellites, receivers, and packages available for recreational vehicle owners just the same as with home based satellites systems. Recreational vehicle owners can purchase satellites that will only pick up signals while the vehicle is stationary or a better option that is now available are the satellites systems that will pick up satellite signals while you are traveling down the road.
The Best Used Car Financing Revealed (9)
Sean Patrick is an automotive finance specialist with over 5 years experience in the Auto Finance world. Currently he is working with the company Car Loan Today. You may view his web site and tips here: www.carloantoday.ca
Why The Electric Scooter Is So Popular Among People Of All Ages (10)
When looking for a wholesale scooter dealer be sure to research them thoroughly by checking out their longevity in business, their standing in the business and try to get testimonials from satisfied clients.
Crashworthiness: A Legal Doctrine (11)
In short, it is a manufacturer's duty to sell cars that are designed to provide protection during a car crash. What Does Crashworthiness Litigation Entail? If you decide to hire a lawyer to litigate your crashworthiness case, be prepared for a long process.
How To Prepare For And Take A Car On Test Drive Before You Buy (12)
Sellers will sometimes put an inexpensive paint job on the car and then lie about it being involved in an accident. The cheaper the paint job, the more careless the body shop gets.
Don't Get Burned By Car Dealer Tactics (13)
It is quite obvious that these businesses make a lot of money; otherwise they could not spend so much on advertising. One of the tricks that they still use that is amazing to me is the old bait and switch.
Factors To Look At When Considering A Car Loan (14)
The credit scores are also the determining factor for deciding on any car loan that is to be considered. About the Author: Hans Hasselfors is the founder of www.SubmitYourNewArticle.com.
What Is A Supercar And Why Is So Exciting About One (15)
Brand - Supercars are brand eccentric such as Ferrari, Maserati, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, and Lamborghini among others. Even common brands such as Ford and Honda have had models that ere accepted as supercars.
Guide In Buying A Motorbike Helmet (16)
Now that is the epitome of coolness that a bike brings. But have you ever thought of going hundreds of miles per hour and smashing yourself into traffic no that would be splattering.
Some Safety FeatureTips You Should Always Keep In Mind When Buying Sports Cars (17)
They should be adjusted in accordance with the occupants' height to be more effective. Another inactive safety feature found in most vehicles is the airbag. Automobiles that have airbags for all passengers and cover the front and sides are ideal and significant.
How To Be Sure That The Car You Are Interested In Hasn't Been On The Bottom Of Lake Ponchatrain (18)
You'll also want to find out what the fair market price is of the car by looking up its Kelley Blue Book value. Go to www.kbb.com and input the information about the car such as the year, the mileage, options like A/C, CD player, etc.
How To Do Leather Detailing And Color Matching Properly For Your Vehicle (19)
Be diligent in this process, as if the leather is not sealed adequately it will absorb moistness and then stiffen. You can re-color or re-coat water based leather using vinyl paint.
SUV Rollover Accidents - What To Know Before Buying An SUV (20)
Tim Dillard is a marketing executive who has worked with some of the largest law firms in America. Dillard is currently the president of Dillard Local Branding (www.dlbllc.com) a Houston-based web design, Internet marketing and search engine marketing firm.