Mechanical Engineering- Mechanical Project - Essay Example

Mongols, began utilising composite bows around 1200AD, presenting improvements on the utilisation of composites. The Mongols combined wood, bone and animal glue to create a powerful weapon, which provided them with significant military dominance during these ancient times. The modern era of composites began with the development of plastics, which contributed significantly towards increased utilisation of composite materials. The utilisation of plastics began in nearly 1900s, replacing natural resins previously utilised in composites.

These plastics, however, had the weakness of lacking sufficient strength for structural requirements (Kulshreshtha and Vasile 2002). Owens Corning remains credited with the introduction of fibre glass in 1935, which ultimately solved the problem of plastics lacking sufficient strength. This invention remains the notable beginning for Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) industry. During the Second World War, demand for alternate materials increased, as they became necessary in the manufacture of lightweight military aircrafts.

During this period numerous advancements occurred regarding the production and application of fibre composites. Engineers discovered other advantages as these material remains transparent to radio frequencies utilised during wartime. Many fibreglass reinforced material became adopted in protecting electronic radar equipment. Following the end of the war inventors began making application for the fibreglass within other industries, other than aviation. Brandt Goldsworthy – grandfather of composites, developed numerous processes for manufacturing composites utilised in different industries.

He remains accredited with development of the first fibreglass surfboard, which revolutionised surfing, and remains commonly utilised even today. This scientist invented pultrusion – the process utilised today in the manufacture of many fibreglass materials. The utilisation of composites could be identified as having begun maturing. During the 1970s, improvements were made; consequently producing better plastic resins (Seymour and Deanin 1987). Carbon fibre also developed during this period and has continued to replace metal as the material of choice.

During the periods preceding these developments, metallic materials were highly utilised in the manufacture of many tools. Currently almost all manufactured tools have handles made from carbon fibre. As the composite industry continues to advance technologically, the 21st century has brought challenges focusing on renewable fibres and green environment. The 21st century concerns have changed the focus towards utilisation of environmentally friendly fibres based on ensuring sustainability on the industry (Johnson 2013).

Under the current environmental concerns, inventions continue to occur utilising recyclable resins and bio-degradable fibres. Focus has been exclusively dedicated towards delivering environmentally friendly sustainable fibre sources. The concept of utilising composites in manufacturing various tools remains the same. Various universities and dedicated organisations continue to pursue research seeking to establish utilisation of fibres meeting the energy and environmental requirements of the 21st century.

The current focus of composite development remains concerned with delivering environmentally friendly composite materials, and focuses on improving properties of