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Which of the stated materials shows the highest strength?

  • A

    Carbon fiber re-inforced plastic.

  • B

    Aluminium.

  • C

    Wood.

  • D

    Magnesium.

Composite materials are made of at least two elements to produce a material with properties that are different to those of the original elements. Nearly all composites consist of a bulk material, this is called the matrix and some form of reinforcement. This reinforcement is used mainly to increase the strength and stiffness of the matrix and is usually in a fibre form.

The matrix can be produced using a variety of materials such as epoxies and polyester resins. These materials on their own have poor mechanical properties (compressive, tensile, flexibility, hardness etc.) especially when compared to materials such as most metals.

When the matrix is combined with reinforcing fibres such as glass, carbon and Kevlar (aramid) exceptional properties can be obtained. The matrix will spread the load to the composite between each of the individual fibres and also protects the fibres from damage. These composites have good resistance to corrosion.

The major structural components of the wings are generally manufactured from aluminium alloys with composite materials such as GRP (glass reinforced plastic), CRP (carbon reinforced plastic) and Honeycomb structures used for fairings, control surfaces, flaps etc.

Carbon Fiber re-inforced plastic, are the materials showing the highest strength.

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