2007-03-20 10:01:16 · 10 answers · asked by Max 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
stop picking on the french u american! hahaha.
2007-03-21 08:03:56 · answer #1 · answered by almostdeadman1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a word 'Maybe'. You have to consider all aspects of its use and working (or possible) working environment.
For example. Composite materials, as generally understood by that term, are very light and very strong and generally include resins as an adhesive and/or binding agent for the structural fibres. However, if you had an application where they may come into contact with an open flame or high heat source, the resins within the composites could ignite or decompose. If a persons safety/life depended on that application not failing when exposed to flame or heat then the choice of an alternative material may be better.
Unfortunately there is no easy answer to this question, composites and also non-composites (steel etc.) have their benefits and problems in the right or wrong environment.
But if you consider all aspects ('all' being the keyword here) of how your composite material, or other material, may be used AND abused, then you should be able to make an informed decision on whether you should use it or not.
2007-03-21 09:11:57 · answer #2 · answered by Alan 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Of course. The main thing that you need to keep in mind is what a certain material is designed for or what conditions a certain material can and can't handle. Much depends on how the material is formed.
I would trust ceramic materials to withstand compressional forces very well, but not tension or torsion. Kevlar fabric can stop a bullet but is completely ineffective against an ice pick.
Carbon fiber is very strong in tension. When it is formed into certain shapes, it can withstand large torsional, bending and even compressional loads.
2007-03-20 17:13:52 · answer #3 · answered by dogsafire 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Design Engineer, the calculations and paperwork say yes, my gut says no.
Once they have been around awhile I'll start to trust them. Right now I wouldn't willingly use them either over or under liveload.
Part of the problem is that we are still learning how forces work in conjunction with each other. Anyone who thinks we know them all now is wrong. Existing material has been used for a long time, and killed a lot of people before we knew it's limitations. Composites do the job they were designed for under the forces they were designed for, before they get compromised through use. That's as far as I'll go willingly.
2007-03-21 08:29:31 · answer #4 · answered by Simon D 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Mmm in a sense even wood is a composite material with long fibres being supported by a more elastic matrix. It works for wood
2007-03-20 17:17:52 · answer #5 · answered by Richard T 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes very much so
as long as the construction is designed and constructed properly then it should out perform steel or alloy but the problems come from badly designed items not down to the material properties. kelar andcarbon fibre are in tests both stronger then steel so thats not the issue its a design issue not a materials issue
2007-03-21 04:30:18 · answer #6 · answered by strange_bike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely, composite materials are extremely strong. I trust them as much as I trust any other material. There are things that could go wrong in carbon fiber manufacturing, but I think the quality systems in place are reliable (as reliable as foundry quality systems making steel for example.)
2007-03-20 17:10:57 · answer #7 · answered by Chris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, frequently you trust your life to them without even realising! Theyre often better than the natural materials!
2007-03-20 17:16:04 · answer #8 · answered by Moi? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are good enough for use in a Formula 1 car, they should be pretty safe.
2007-03-20 18:46:46 · answer #9 · answered by efes_haze 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if your on about Kevlar for example.
2007-03-20 17:05:06 · answer #10 · answered by Whatever. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋