Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Rebecca Macdonald

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced composites are an increasingly used material technology in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports equipment, all in which are focusing on more new research. This research into literature was conducted to investigate both currently used and currently researched advancements of fiber-reinforced composites and their applications. A comparison of fiber-reinforced composites to traditional materials was completed, including investigating the key characteristics and properties that make these composites suitable for all types of engineering applications. Furthermore, how mechanical properties and performance of the composites are affected by different types of fibers used within them was evaluated. Performance in the behaviors under various loading conditions including tension, compression, bending, and impact was investigated. In addition, the most common manufacturing techniques used for producing fiber-reinforced composites were researched focusing on the influence of manufacturing technique on material properties. In examining the manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composites, the impacts of orientation and arrangement of fibers within the composite matrix were found. Lastly, the current environmental considerations and sustainability aspects with the production and disposal processes were investigated.

 

Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Fiber-reinforced composites are an increasingly used material technology in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports equipment, all in which are focusing on more new research. This research into literature was conducted to investigate both currently used and currently researched advancements of fiber-reinforced composites and their applications. A comparison of fiber-reinforced composites to traditional materials was completed, including investigating the key characteristics and properties that make these composites suitable for all types of engineering applications. Furthermore, how mechanical properties and performance of the composites are affected by different types of fibers used within them was evaluated. Performance in the behaviors under various loading conditions including tension, compression, bending, and impact was investigated. In addition, the most common manufacturing techniques used for producing fiber-reinforced composites were researched focusing on the influence of manufacturing technique on material properties. In examining the manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composites, the impacts of orientation and arrangement of fibers within the composite matrix were found. Lastly, the current environmental considerations and sustainability aspects with the production and disposal processes were investigated.