Space
Composites have been used in space since our early steps into the cosmos. Often turned to for their light weight and high strength, these materials have a history of use in spaceflight in such applications as payload fairings, satellite structures and heat shields.
â–º Explore the technologies, materials and strategies used by composites manufacturers working in the evolving space market at our virtual CW Tech Days: New Space Applications. Learn more and register here!
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Materials & Processes: Composites fibers and resins
Compared to legacy materials like steel, aluminum, iron and titanium, composites are still coming of age, and only just now are being better understood by design and manufacturing engineers. However, composites’ physical properties — combined with unbeatable light weight — make them undeniably attractive.
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Materials & Processes: Resin matrices for composites
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. Here’s a guide to selection.
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Materials & Processes: Introduction
High strength at low weight remain the winning combination that propels composite materials into new arenas, but other properties are equally important. This article outlines the case for composites and introduces SourceBook's overview of the materials and processes used to make them.
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During CW Tech Days: Thermoplastics for Large Structures, experts explored the materials and processing technologies that are enabling the transition to large-part manufacturing.
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The composites industry is increasingly recognizing the imperative of sustainability in its operations. As demand for lightweight and durable materials rises across various sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and construction, there is a growing awareness of the environmental impact associated with traditional composite manufacturing processes.
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Discover the types of sensors being used in composites, the physics on which they�re based, their installation, promised benefits and challenges, as well as the potential they offer for even further developments in smart structures.
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Latest Space News And Updates
University of Bristol launches composite materials to space for ISS testing
Next-gen carbon fiber materials will be tested under extreme conditions for 12-18 months to determine their viability in space for use in future space bases, interplanetary travel.
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Composites support SKA Observatory radio telescope sub-reflectors
Engineering company Eosol and composites developer Compoxi work together to deliver more than 250 4.5-meter composite dishes to construct two cosmos-focused telescopes.
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On the radar: Reusable launch vehicles, hypersonics make space more accessible
CFRP has become key to targeting efforts in reusing components like rocket stages, as well as the development of reusable hypersonic testbeds and spaceplanes, for increasing space commercialization.
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ILAuNCH explores 100% bio-epoxy resin suitability for space
Three partner universities in Australia aim to mature research for Change Climate’s Byoxy bio-epoxy resin formulation, relying on environmental simulation testing and structural composites expertise.
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Reaction Dynamics earns CSA grant for composite propellant tanks, hybrid rocket fuel
The $1.5 million grant boosts the Canadian company’s goal to advance its Aurora orbital launch vehicle program.
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CW Tech Days event delves into composites in space
Register and mark your calendars for the one-day webinar event “CW Tech Days: New Space Applications” on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Six presentations will highlight composite developments contributing to advances in space exploration.
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Featured Posts
Post Cure: CFRP landing leg supports reusable launcher capabilities
MT Aerospace AG, as part of the EU’s Horizon Europe project SALTO, has successfully developed a 7-meter-long carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) landing leg demonstrator using advanced automated fiber placement and 3D printing technologies.
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Low-cost, efficient CFRP anisogrid lattice structures
CIRA uses patented parallel winding, dry fiber, silicone tooling and resin infusion to cut labor for lightweight, heavily loaded space applications.
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Composites reinvent aerospace, AAM and space
Celebrating National Composites Week, CW shares ways in which composites continue to make a significant impact in aerospace and space market developments.
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Carbon fiber satellite arm reduces weight, simplifies assembly onto naval vessels
Satcom developer EM Solutions partnered with ACS Australia to replace an aluminum arm design with a 65% lighter, one-piece, corrosion-resistant carbon fiber/epoxy alternative.
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Automated robotic NDT enhances capabilities for composites
Kineco Kaman Composites India uses a bespoke Fill Accubot ultrasonic testing system to boost inspection efficiency and productivity.
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Composite molding compound replaces Invar for lightweight small satellite structures
Patz Materials and Technologies and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory developed a new monolithic optics housing with 80% less weight, near-zero CTE and the high-volume manufacturing required for commercial space.
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