ABSTRACT
The major advantages of carbon fibre composites are their high specific stiffness, strength and excellent fatigue resistance when compared with metallic alloys [2, 3]. Comparative data for materials are shown in table 6.1. These properties give rise to the principal drivers for the use of composites in aircraft components, which are (a) improved performance resulting from the ability to optimize component shape, form and mechanical properties and (b) reduced weight which improves the efficiency of the component and aircraft and allows an increased payload or range for the aircraft.
