Our Guide to Aerospace Composites

All You Need To Know About Composites

What are composites and why are they used in aerospace? A composite material is made up of a minimum of two materials, which together combine to provide properties better than those of each material. Composite materials offer improved performance characteristics that are not found in the individual materials alone. In the aerospace industry, this can mean achieving a lighter weight, higher strength or superior resistance to temperature, corrosion and fatigue. Composites are used in aerospace in applications ranging from engine blades and propellers to fuselages, wings and interiors. They play a critical role in modern aircraft design. Their ability to increase fuel efficiency and ensure structural integrity has revolutionized the industry and continues to drive innovation.

Composites also support design flexibility, allowing engineers to create complex shapes and reduce the number of parts needed in an assembly. This reduces production time and simplifies maintenance over time.

Aerospace Applications

Composites have many different applications in the aerospace industry. Their unique properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and durability, make them ideal for a wide range of structural and functional components. Composites are used on critical flight surfaces, interior panels and engine parts, reducing overall weight while enhancing performance and fuel efficiency. In addition to physical benefits, composites contribute to improved acoustic insulation and thermal performance, making the cabin environment more comfortable and energy efficient.

Aircraft Structures: Composites find extensive use in constructing aircraft structures, including fuselages, wings and tail sections. They offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, which improves fuel efficiency and reduces overall weight.

Engine Components: Composites may be used in engine components, such as fan blades and casings. Their strength and heat-resistant properties are particularly important here.

Interior Components: Interior components, such as cabin panels, lavatory modules and galleys, use composites to reduce weight and improve durability.

Helicopter Rotors: Helicopter rotor blades are regularly made from composite materials, reducing their weight and increasing performance.

Missiles and UAVs: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and missile structures often incorporate composites due to their high strength and weight reduction properties.

Aerostructures: Composites are also used in various aerostructures, such as fairings, winglets and flaps, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.

Nacelles: Nacelles, the casings around aircraft engines, often feature composites to improve aerodynamics and reduce noise.

Radar Domes: Composites can be used in radar domes on military aircraft because of their radio frequency transparency.

An Asset to Aerospace

Composites are an asset to the aerospace industry, offering an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio alongside high durability and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Their ability to reduce fuel consumption, minimize maintenance needs, and withstand extreme temperatures makes them vital in both commercial and defense sectors. In the present and the future, they will continue to be indispensable in aerospace design and manufacturing. As material science continues to evolve, new generations of composites with enhanced multifunctional capabilities, such as embedded sensors or self-healing properties, are expected to further revolutionize aircraft performance and safety.

With the acquisition of Pacific Coast Composites, GracoRoberts expands its capabilities by offering custom-sized, pre-cut composite materials. Choose from a variety of products including adhesive films, pre-pregs, cloths, process materials, aluminum foil/mesh and foaming adhesives, all tailored to meet aerospace specifications.