CompositesWorld

FEB 2018

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TRENDS FEBRUARY 2018 24 CompositesWorld implementing carbon fiber panels for several vehicles in the Corvette series, Voss' primary admonition was to "limit the 'news'" in new applications — that is, restrict the number of technologies and processes that are new to the automotive industry. Voss also emphasized how crucial joining technologies are to the introduction of carbon components, which must be integrated with dissimilar materials in automotive struc- tures. Finally, to make carbon composites cost-competitive despite their higher material cost, Voss suggested that scrap costs be considered early in the development cycle. Anthony Vicari of Lux Research (Boston, MA, US) followed the keynote with a study of growth opportunities and chal- lenges for carbon fiber composites. He began with a forecast for carbon fiber (CF) nameplate capacity (total announced by the manufacturer) of 151,000 MT/yr by 2020. Actual yield is forecast to be roughly 10-20% less. Demand for CF was estimated to reach 228,000 MT/yr by 2025, with the most growth in wind and aero- space. Vicari believes, however, that CF penetration into automotive will not move beyond luxury models in higher-volume mainstream vehicles before 2025, if indeed this happens at all. He does see potential for growth, however, through large opportu- nities in rail transit, construction repair and large marine vessels. In rail, CFRP bogies that replace steel can reduce the weight of a rail car by almost 1 MT and also provide corrosion resistance that will improve the car's maintenance and service life. Vicari also sees a large market in bridge repair, which is a very mature technology using CFRP, but cautions that the infrastructure marketplace has not yet been "sold" on this approach. Expansion here depends on the promise of near-term, low- cost carbon fiber, such as that being developed by LeMond Composites (Oak Ridge, TN, US) and Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL, Oak Ridge, TN, US), among others; OEM pull; and improved repair techniques, under development by innovators such as FARO Technologies (Lake Mary, FL, US) and Oxford Performance Materials (Windsor, CT, US). And that's just a sampling. For a full report on the eventful CF 2017 conference, read the following posts at the CW Blog | short.gardnerweb.com/ CF17live and short.gardnerweb.com/CF17final with the power capacity required for applications like spacecraft and electric aircraft. Nielsen suggests wires could and should become part of the structural reinforcement for future spacecraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), but can also provide multifunctionality in automotive parts and even wind blades. Keynote address. The challenges of expanding carbon fiber into new automotive applications was the focus of Carbon Fiber 2017's keynoter Mark Voss, General Motors (Detroit, MI, US) engineering group manager, body structures advanced composites. From his experience (continued from p. 23) W T F yoming est ixtures INC. • Over 40 types of fixtures in stock, ready to be shipped. • Expert consultation with Dr. Adams • Email or call today to discuss your fixture and custom design needs. Boeing Compression After Impact Test Fixture ASTM D 7137 2960 E. Millcreek Canyon Road Salt Lake City, UT 84109 Phone (801) 484.5055 Fax (801) 484.6008 email: wtf@wyomingtestfixtures.com www.wyomingtestfixtures.com Dr. Donald F. Adams President 50 years of Composite Testing Experience We provide quotes for a variety of grips, fixtures, and jigs. We carry over 40 types of fixtures in stock, available for immediate delivery. Email or call us today. We look forward to hearing from you. Celebrate our 30th Anniversary with a Bestselling Fixture! Three & Four Point Flexure Test Fixture ASTM D 790, 6272, 7264 V-Notched Rail Shear Test Fixture ASTM D 7078 Boeing Open-Hole Compression Test Fixture ASTM D 6484 Combined Loading Compression Test Fixture ASTM D 6641 Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence 1988-2018

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