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miloziz
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Would it be possible to build a steam engine using parts made primarily of carbon fiber? Any engine?
T' foam that has been sandwiched between two layers of carbon. Incredibly light and stiff. 6mm thick and 300mm x 500mm
Core-Cell® is a new generation linear polymer foam for use as a sandwich core primarily in high quality boats. Its main properties are damage tolerance / high impact strength and good thermal resistance so that Core-Cell can be used in hulls, decks and superstructures. ......has a closed-cell structure.
mgb_phys said:The epoxy in carbon fibre probably wouldn't last long in contact with high temperature steam...
the only engine applications I can think of are in the front fan blades and shrouds of turbofan aircraft engines.
I hadn't realized they weren't CF, I know some are titanium which has it's own problems. It takes a particular kind of brilliance to invent an engien that can be ruined by rain when your office is in Derby!AlephZero said:The first attempt at composite fan blades failed because of problems with rain water damage causing delamination (The first Rolls-Royce RB211 fan, c.1970)
AlephZero said:Personally I won't ever fly in an airliner with CF fan blades - I know enough to be very afraid, but not enough to be confident the fear is irrational
The GE90 engine powers Boeing 777 aircraft around the globe.
The carbon fibre propeller blades have borrowed a technique from the mission adaptable wing technology. In that aircraft wing the orientation of the fibres allowed the wing to flex in predetermined ways to change its angle of attack. Similarly the blades of the carbon fibre propellers flex under load to change the propellers pitch.
Yeah , and then there was that air accident where all lives were lost when the Carbon fibre composite tail fin became frayed and the whole section just fell off. I think there have been incidents with helicopter blades as well. djangoThe first attempt at composite fan blades failed because of problems with rain water damage causing delamination (The first Rolls-Royce RB211 fan, c.1970)
Personally I won't ever fly in an airliner with CF fan blades - I know enough to be very afraid, but not enough to be confident the fear is irrational
American Airlines Flight 587, was an Airbus 300 with a CF vertical stabiliser (rudder). It failed when the pilots used a large amount of rudder in flight to counter some wake turbulence.django said:Yeah , and then there was that air accident where all lives were lost when the Carbon fibre composite tail fin became frayed and the whole section just fell off.
A steam engine is typically made of a combination of materials, including cast iron, steel, and brass. In some cases, modern steam engines may also incorporate carbon fiber components for added strength and durability.
Carbon fiber is a lightweight and incredibly strong material, making it ideal for use in high-performance steam engines. It helps to reduce the overall weight of the engine, allowing for faster acceleration and higher speeds. Additionally, carbon fiber is resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperatures, making it a durable choice for steam engine components.
While carbon fiber offers many benefits, it can be expensive and difficult to manufacture compared to traditional materials. This may contribute to higher costs for steam engines that incorporate carbon fiber components. Additionally, the use of carbon fiber may also require specialized maintenance and repair techniques.
A steam engine with carbon fiber components may have a more modern and sleek appearance compared to a traditional steam engine made entirely of metal. It may also have improved performance and efficiency due to the use of lightweight materials. However, the basic principles of operation remain the same for both types of steam engines.
Carbon fiber itself is not considered to be a sustainable or environmentally friendly material, as it requires a significant amount of energy and resources to produce. However, the use of carbon fiber in steam engines may contribute to overall efficiency and reduced emissions, making it a more eco-friendly choice compared to traditional steam engines.