The Advantages of Composite Materials in Unmanned Vehicles

 

Photo by Jiri Plistil on Unsplash

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) were once used only for defense purposes. But these days, UAVs have expanded to fill a role in a wide range of applications, such as commercial use. As the demand for unmanned vehicles rises, so too does the need for new and improved technology. Composite materials have risen to meet the challenges UAVs face. Their lightweight capabilities, merged with durable structural integrity, make them perfect for use in both military and civilian unmanned vehicles.

What Are Composite Materials?

When you combine any two or more materials with different chemical and physical properties, you end up with composite materials. In many cases, composite materials enhance the properties of their parent materials. In some cases, entirely new characteristics can be created by combining different materials. Many composites are fibrous, meaning they’re combined with durable fibers and resin matrices. Others are a particulate composite, meaning they’re made up of non-metallic particles and metal matrices.

Advantages of Composite Materials

For unmanned vehicles, composite materials offer plenty of benefits that make them a prime choice in building materials.

Strength-to-Weight Ratio

UAVs need to keep their building materials as lightweight as possible. This is often because the complex machinery needed to operate the vehicles and any cargo they may carry tend to be weighty themselves. Composite materials offer a lightweight structure that still maintains a high level of durability. Lighter weight means UAVs can improve their performance, while high durability means they won’t suffer deformation, fatigue, or deterioration. Composite materials can reduce the weight of an unmanned vehicle anywhere between 15% and 45%.

Customization

Composite materials have an orthotopic nature. This means that their elastic properties are made up of multiple perpendicular planes. Because of their unique properties, composite materials can easily be manipulated when created. When an unmanned vehicle needs a specific weight or strength property, manufacturers can use the elasticity of composite materials to match their specifications.

Insulation and Conductivity

Many UAVs rely on electrical components to operate. Whether it’s running programs or letting someone take control remotely, electrical units can’t be left out of the equation. Certain composite materials develop high electrical insulation and conductivity that help protect the equipment on board. With the right combination of materials, composites can also build a strong electromagnetic interference shielding property that further protects UAVs from electrical mishaps.

Challenges with Using Composite Materials

While composite materials are great for lightweight building and strong durability, there are still some challenges with using them. Most of these challenges come from the production side of things. The base cost for the combination materials is higher than others, and the cost to produce composites can be detrimental. At the same time, the production of composite materials takes longer, which reduces the speed and efficiency of creating UAVs. Overall, composites are wonderful building materials for unmanned vehicles if you can afford the extra time and money to produce them.