11–20 of 69 posts
PDF direct link: https://www.materialstoday.com/download/127653/
In Space, but relevant:
"Thermomechanical Fatigue of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite in Space"
Given that the Qatari regulator ordered the grounding and that Qatar Airways is state owned that seems like a pretty big conflict of interest. Especially with Qatar Airways refusing delivery of any more a350s until the problem is fixed (in a time of extremely low levels of international air travel).
"How safe are modern aircraft with carbon fiber composite fuselages in a survivable crash?" https://www.materialstoday.com/carbon-fiber/features/how-saf... PDF direct link: https://www.materialstoday.com/download/127653/ In Space, but relevant: "Thermomechanical Fatigue of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite in Space" https://www.hindawi.com/journals/je/2020/9702957/
But that said, given that Lufthansa is also apparently pulling and repainting it's A350s, there may be some reaction here.
I've been a long time carbon-fiber skeptic. Only an armchair materials enthusiast but carbon fiber construction seems to lack the margin for fatigue that aluminum has. It seems to me that when carbon fails it fails catastrophically, while aluminum allows some "give". Now it seems carbon fiber doesn't have the longevity either? I am aware the aluminum can "work harden" over time and become more brittle as well. No mat…
Keep in mind we have 30-year old A320s flying around using carbon-fiber, so we would seem to be out of the trial-period phase. This issue appears to be a cosmetic one with regards to the paint layers, not structural (see my other comment).
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Keep in mind we have 30-year old A320s flying around using carbon-fiber, so we would seem to be out of the trial-period phase. This issue appears to be a cosmetic one with regards to the paint layers, not structural (see my other comment).
Apparently A350 are built with Teijin Tenax thermoplastic carbon. Brochures say it cures in one minute, eliminating autoclave. Could be different from normal resin based carbons.
"How safe are modern aircraft with carbon fiber composite fuselages in a survivable crash?" https://www.materialstoday.com/carbon-fiber/features/how-saf... PDF direct link: https://www.materialstoday.com/download/127653/ In Space, but relevant: "Thermomechanical Fatigue of Unidirectional Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Composite in Space" https://www.hindawi.com/journals/je/2020/9702957/
This was first reported back in January when a Qatar Airways Airbus A350 was in Shannon for a repaint. When the paint was stripped they found surface coating irregularities. This is apparently cosmetic and not structural. This was one of the first A350s to be repainted. Qatar has 53 Airbus A350 aircraft, so why these particular 13 is the question now.
I've been a long time carbon-fiber skeptic. Only an armchair materials enthusiast but carbon fiber construction seems to lack the margin for fatigue that aluminum has. It seems to me that when carbon fails it fails catastrophically, while aluminum allows some "give". Now it seems carbon fiber doesn't have the longevity either? I am aware the aluminum can "work harden" over time and become more brittle as well. No mat…
This was first reported back in January when a Qatar Airways Airbus A350 was in Shannon for a repaint. When the paint was stripped they found surface coating irregularities. This is apparently cosmetic and not structural. This was one of the first A350s to be repainted. Qatar has 53 Airbus A350 aircraft, so why these particular 13 is the question now.