The hidden superpowers of aviation materials
Of course an aircraft has a flight deck, cabin, engines, etc... But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Reliability, safety, strength: flight requires the use of many materials, from foams and plastics to glass and radomes. Most people may not be aware of these components, but they have super-powers that allow them to withstand the most severe environments: high speed, pressure, extreme temperatures and impacts of all kinds.
So what are these innovative materials? What constraints do they have to overcome? What are the secrets behind their manufacture?