How light and strong are Carbon Fiber compared to steel?

Question

can it be structurally strong to eventually replace framings and superstructures of ships, planes and even tall buildings?

Answer 1

Carbon Fibre can be structurally strong to eventually replace framings and superstructures of ships, planes and even tall buildings.

Carbon fiber is most notably used to reinforce composite materials, particularly the class of materials known as carbon fiber reinforced plastics. This class of materials is used in aircraft parts, high-performance vehicles, tuner cars, sporting equipment, wind generator blades and gears and other demanding mechanical applications; a more thorough discussion of these uses, including composite lay-up techniques, can be found in the carbon fiber reinforced plastic article.

Reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) consists of carbon fiber-reinforced graphite, and is used structurally in high-temperature applications, such as the nose cone and leading edges of the space shuttle.

(Material/Density(lb/cu in)/Tensile Strength(psi) Modulus10^6psi/Sp.Modulus
Steel / .280 / 160,000 / 22.0 / 78 )

TENSILE STRENGTH /DENSITY /SP. STRENGTH
CARBON FIBRE 3.50 / 1.75 / 2.00
STEEL 1.30 / 7.90 / 0.17
As can be seen, carbon fibre has a tensile strength almost 3 times greater than that of steel, yet is 4.5 times less dense.

For more interesting facts, pl. click:
http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webprojects2002/mjames/chemistry.html

Answer 2

Carbon Fiber Vs Steel

Answer 3

How Strong Is Carbon Fiber

Answer 4

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RE:
How light and strong are Carbon Fiber compared to steel?
can it be structurally strong to eventually replace framings and superstructures of ships, planes and even tall buildings?

Answer 5

I wouldnt agree with the "not withstanding constant loading or Brittle". Its used in such applications as aircraft wings and helicopter blades, i beams in construction industry, reinforcing concrete walls etc. it has increased tensile strength over most steel alloys, reduced density making it great for aviation industry, but also torsional strength as seen on the human prostetic limbs or paraoylimpic "j" legs that sprinters use. In comparison to Aviation grade aluminiums like astm 7075 or titanium alloys, its cheap to manufacture but lacks the ability to withstand high heat ranges unless graphite is added into its construction.

Answer 6

Carbon fiber is 10 times lighter than steel and 1.5 times stronger than steel. No it can not be used for ships and building as it does not have the capacity to withstand constant load and it is too brittle.

Answer 7

I would agree with "I am a rock" and add that it can become extraordinarily expensive when used on large projects