Recent advances in application of composite materials in the aerospace industry

Abstract

Composites have been developed as light-weight materials which can successfully replace traditional metals in the aerospace industry due to their outstanding mechanical properties and lower weight in comparison to conventional metal alloys. This study introduced composite materials, capable of withstanding extreme working conditions. However, some of the advantages and possible failures may rely on manufacturing inaccuracies, selected technique of fabrication method or final forming, so developing of materials engineering and mechanical engineering plays an important role to provide the composite with the best possible performance. Nevertheless, a right selection of matrices and reinforcements assisted with contemporary nanotechnology helps to obtain satisfying results in composite design. The paper described polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites as well as ceramic matrix composites with special emphasis on examples of their application in the aerospace industry and recent advances based on current scientific knowledge. The presented manuscript shows that due to the development of aerospace engineering and constant need of modern light-weight materials for extreme applications, the topic is still relevant nowadays. The paper was influenced by authors’ scientific research conducted so far in the field of composite materials and a growing popularity of authors’ review article from 2019, which needs an update after several years. A concise form of this kind of review may meet the expectations of young researchers and scientists.