I've been reading a little about hybrid fabrics for composite layups providing increased impact resistance/ductility. The material is typically about 50% carbon fiber and 50% "something else" that has very high tensile strength (ultra-high molecular weigh polypropylene or polyethylene, trade names include Dyneema, Spectra, etc). The high tensile strength and longer stretch-before-breaking of these these fibers are reported to allow composite parts to avoid shattering when the part/structure is overloaded, and to continue to absorb energy and plasticly deform (as metals do) rather than rapidly fracture and come apart. Also, these fibers have low density compared to CF, so an equivalent weight layup has more thickness, enhanced rigidity that helps, in part, to make up for their lower flexural strength, in some applications.
Anyway, it sounds like it might be attractive for a crash-protective cockpit or main gear legs. It is reportedly being used for the nosecone on some high performance sailplanes.
Any additional info on applications and practicality? Lots of people consider using aramid/Kevlar fiber in a similar way, but this is stronger. I don't know if it absorbs and holds moisture, which is a negative attribute of Kevlar.
Anyway, it sounds like it might be attractive for a crash-protective cockpit or main gear legs. It is reportedly being used for the nosecone on some high performance sailplanes.
Any additional info on applications and practicality? Lots of people consider using aramid/Kevlar fiber in a similar way, but this is stronger. I don't know if it absorbs and holds moisture, which is a negative attribute of Kevlar.
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