Potential Impact of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymer Composite on Commercial Heavy Aircraft

Abstract

This study investigates the possible use of carbon nanotubes as a molecular fiber in a composite material and illustrates the potential impact of incorporating carbon nanotube reinforced polymer (CNRP) composites in a current commercial aircraft. The analysis is performed for a Boeing 747-400 airframe. Theoretical mechanical properties of CNRP are found for single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) volume fractions (50, 60, and 70%) in high density polyethylene (HDPE). In this simulation, the volume of airframe structural aluminum is replaced with an equivalent volume of SWNT CNRP with no change to the airframe design. Using simulated CNRP-structured airframe weight estimates, a new spread of aircraft operating empty weights (OEW) for the 747-400 is defined and used to predict max takeoff mass, fuel efficiency, operating envelope and flight performance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2004
Accession Number
AD1106874

Entities

People

  • David B. Smith
  • Sarah E. O'donnell

Organizations

  • MITRE Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Carbon Fibers
  • Carbon Nanotube Composites
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Cargo Aircraft
  • Composite Materials
  • Epoxy Composites
  • Fullerenes
  • Graphene
  • Graphite Epoxy Composites
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanics
  • Micromechanics
  • Polymer Matrix Composites
  • Spiders
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Transport Aircraft

Fields of Study

  • Materials science

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Nanocomposite Materials Science