17 ms·
What kind and scale of impact (e.g. efficiency gain, design improvement, airfares) would happen if carbon fiber is widely used in planes?
by nopinsight 10y ago
What kind and scale of impact (e.g. efficiency gain, design improvement, airfares) would happen if carbon fiber is widely used in planes?
- ge96 10y agoI have absolutely no credentials what so ever... My opinion though, if the strength is matched if not exceeded of a metal airframe, but weight is I don't know effectively halved or more... less fuel, farther flights, should be cheaper air fare, possibly less maintenance if carbon fibre doesn't have fatigue problems... but the cost.
- chillydawg 10y agoOperating jets is all about opex, though. Airlines seem to be happy to plough billions into capex purchases as long as the long term total cost of ownership is good in terms of passenger miles.
- sdenton4 10y agoLess gas is less gas, though! The long term cost is the real question. As a cyclist, I have a perception of carbon as kinda fragile; take a good hit, and you really need to replace your fork. This makes me think the carbon will mainly be used for internal structure, which would still greatly reduce the weight of the plane (and this the base amount of fuel used), and bring down those lifetime costs. But if it's too fragile, then the overall lifespan of the plane is reduced, which would counterbalance the gains.
- Fezzik 10y agoI had this impression for a long time as well, because it was true, but it may not be true any more. I can't pull it up right now (at work) but Santa Cruz did a great video comparing the strength of their carbon fiber frames to their aluminum frames, and in all scenarios carbon fiber frames proved the strongest. This included dropping weights on frames and forks, hitting them with hammers, etc... it changed my mind quite a bit about the resilience of carbon fiber.
- namlem 10y agoThe 787 is made from carbon fiber. That's what allows it to have higher cabin pressure and humidity.