ASSIGNMENT

RE-INFORCED COMPOSITE MATERIAL

1a. Name a re-inforced composite material (at least 3).

1b. For the re-inforced composite material you named in 1a, name / describe a product in which it is used.
1c. List three reasons for using the re-inforced composite material you have named, in the product
you have described.
(i)

(ii)

(i)

SAMPLE ANSWER:
1a. Name a re-inforced composite material.
Carbon Fibre Re-inforced Plastic (CFRP)
1b. For the re-inforced composite material you named in 1a, name / describe a product in which
it is used.
Modern Fighter Aircraft
1c. List three reasons for using the re-inforced composite material you have named,
in the product you have described.
(i)
CFRP is lightweight, which helps improve the performance of the fighter plane. The reduction
in weight means that fuel consumption is cut considerably. Planes composed of a high percentage of
CFRP require less fuel, going further / travelling faster, than comparable planes made of traditional
materials (specialist alloys).
(ii) CFRP can be finished in a number of ways, including spray painted. This allows for camouflage
to be added, including any insignia. Anti-radar paint can also be applied to it.
(iii) CFRP can be moulded into a variety of complex shapes, allowing fighter planes to be designed
that are much more manoeuvrable, than planes manufactured from metal alloys.