Quiz on Composites in Aircraft Construction

What was the last significant aircraft to use timber construction?

• De Havilland Comet

• Boeing 737

• Airbus A320

• The Mosquito

Answer explanation

The Mosquito was the last significant aircraft to use timber construction, known for its innovative design and use of wood, unlike later models like the De Havilland Comet, Boeing 737, and Airbus A320 which utilized metal and composite materials.

Which material was first integrated by Boeing into their civilian aircraft in 1958?

• Fibreglass

• Aramid Fibre

• Carbon Fibre

• Metal Matrix Composites

Answer explanation

Boeing first integrated fibreglass into their civilian aircraft in 1958, marking a significant advancement in aircraft materials. Fibreglass offered improved strength and reduced weight compared to traditional materials.

What is a key disadvantage of carbon fibre in aircraft?

• High density

• Sudden and catastrophic failure

• Low resistance to corrosion

• Poor tensile strength

Answer explanation

A key disadvantage of carbon fibre in aircraft is its tendency for sudden and catastrophic failure. Unlike metals, carbon fibre can fail without warning, posing significant safety risks.

Which fibre is better known under the trade name Kevlar?

• Boron Fibre

• Glass Fibre

• Carbon Fibre

• Aramid Fibre

Answer explanation

Aramid Fibre is the correct answer as it is the type of fibre commonly known by the trade name Kevlar, which is used for its high strength and durability in various applications.

What is the primary role of the matrix in a composite?

• Reduce weight

• Increase electrical conductivity

• Provide tensile strength

• Bind the fibres together

Answer explanation

The primary role of the matrix in a composite is to bind the fibres together, ensuring structural integrity and distributing loads among the fibres, which enhances the overall performance of the composite material.

Which of the following is NOT a property of composites?

• High density

• High strength

• Outstanding corrosion resistance

• Excellent fatigue resistance

Answer explanation

Composites are known for their high strength, outstanding corrosion resistance, and excellent fatigue resistance. However, they typically have low density, making 'High density' the property that is NOT characteristic of composites.

What type of composite uses a metal matrix?

• Carbon Fibre Composites

• Epoxy Composites

• Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)

• Aramid Fibre Composites

Answer explanation

Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) specifically use a metal as the matrix material, distinguishing them from other composites like carbon fibre or epoxy, which use polymers. Thus, MMC is the correct answer.

What is the main advantage of using hollow fibres in composites?

• Enhance electrical conductivity

• Increase compressive strength

• Reduce cost

• Improve thermal properties

Answer explanation

Hollow fibres in composites primarily increase compressive strength by providing a lightweight structure that can withstand greater loads, enhancing the overall mechanical performance of the material.

What is the purpose of a 'smart patch' in aircraft repair?

• Increase tensile strength

• Transmit information about serviceability

• Reduce weight

• Enhance thermal resistance

Answer explanation

A 'smart patch' in aircraft repair is designed to transmit information about serviceability, allowing for real-time monitoring of the aircraft's structural integrity, rather than just enhancing physical properties like strength or weight.

Which material is used in the fan cowls of jet engines for protection?

• Aramid fibres

• Glass fibres

• Ceramic fibres

• Carbon fibres

Answer explanation

Ceramic fibres are used in fan cowls of jet engines due to their high heat resistance and strength, providing effective protection against extreme temperatures and mechanical stress during operation.