The Insane Engineering of the 787
Real Engineering・25 minutes read
The airline industry is transitioning to smaller, more efficient planes like the 787 Dreamliner, which utilizes composite materials for a stronger and lighter construction, improving aerodynamics and fuel efficiency. Signing up for the CuriosityStream and Nebula bundle deal supports the channel and offers exclusive content and early access to videos for just over $1 a month.
Insights
- The airline industry is transitioning to a new generation of planes like the 787 Dreamliner, which utilizes composite materials for a stronger, lighter, and more aerodynamic construction, enhancing passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.
- Supporting the channel through the CuriosityStream and Nebula bundle deal not only provides access to exclusive content and documentaries but also contributes to the creation of more diverse and engaging videos on Nebula and YouTube, fostering a community of early access viewers and supporters.
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Recent questions
What are the benefits of using composite materials in aircraft construction?
Composite materials, like carbon fiber, are strong and lightweight, making them ideal for aircraft construction. They allow for the creation of stronger fuselages, which can withstand higher internal air pressure, making flights more comfortable and reducing jet lag effects. Additionally, composites eliminate joints and fasteners, reducing weight, fuel burn, and drag, ultimately making the aircraft more aerodynamic. The use of composite materials also enables the construction of larger windows, as they are immune to fatigue and do not develop stress cracks like aluminum. Overall, the benefits of using composite materials in aircraft construction include increased strength, reduced weight, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort.
How does the 787 Dreamliner's wing design contribute to its performance?
The 787 Dreamliner's wings are made from carbon fiber composite spars and aluminum ribs, allowing for high flexibility and a higher aspect ratio. This design, along with the supercritical wing shape, increases the critical mach number, reducing wave drag and increasing lift at higher angles of attack. The wings also feature a Hybrid Laminar Flow Control system, which helps delay and control turbulent flow, reducing drag and fuel burn. The combination of composite materials, unique wing design, and advanced aerodynamic features in the 787 Dreamliner contributes to its exceptional performance, fuel efficiency, and overall flight characteristics.
What role does titanium play in the construction of the 787 Dreamliner?
Titanium is used in the construction of the 787 Dreamliner to prevent galvanic corrosion between carbon fiber composites and aluminum. This corrosion protection is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of the aircraft. Additionally, titanium parts are 3D printed for the 787, reducing waste and costs while maintaining high quality and precision. The use of titanium in the 787's construction highlights the importance of material selection in aircraft manufacturing, particularly in addressing potential issues like corrosion and ensuring the overall safety and reliability of the aircraft.
How does the 787 Dreamliner's construction impact fuel consumption?
The 787 Dreamliner's construction plays a significant role in reducing fuel consumption through various design features and material choices. The use of composite materials eliminates the need for a bleed air system, reducing weight, complexity, and fuel consumption. Additionally, the composite construction reduces overall aircraft weight, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced drag during flight. The advanced aerodynamic design of the 787, including the supercritical wing shape and Hybrid Laminar Flow Control system, further contributes to lower fuel burn by reducing drag and optimizing airflow around the aircraft. Overall, the 787 Dreamliner's construction significantly impacts fuel consumption by prioritizing lightweight materials, streamlined design, and efficient aerodynamics.
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Supporting the channel through Nebula's bundle deal offers several advantages, including early access to videos, ad-free viewing, and exclusive content like podcasts and documentaries. By signing up for the bundle deal, viewers can access a wide range of documentaries and exclusive content for just over $1 a month, supporting the channel and enabling the creation of more content on Nebula and YouTube. The additional information and exclusive series available through Nebula provide a unique viewing experience for subscribers, enhancing their engagement with the channel's content. Overall, supporting the channel through Nebula's bundle deal not only benefits viewers by offering premium content and ad-free viewing but also supports the creators in producing high-quality, engaging videos and expanding their content offerings.
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Revolutionizing Air Travel: The 787 Dreamliner
- The airline industry is undergoing a revolution, moving away from large airliners like the A380 and 747 to a new generation of planes.
- The 787 Dreamliner is at the forefront of this revolution, made primarily from composite materials like carbon fiber reinforced plastics.
- Composite materials, like carbon fiber, are strong and lightweight, making them ideal for aircraft construction.
- Automated tape laying is used to produce massive aircraft sections for the 787's fuselage, which are then cured in large ovens.
- The 787's stronger fuselage allows for higher internal air pressure, making flights more comfortable and reducing jet lag effects.
- The 787's massive windows are possible due to composites' immunity to fatigue, unlike aluminum, which would develop stress cracks.
- The 787's composite construction eliminates joints and fasteners, reducing weight, fuel burn, and drag, making it more aerodynamic.
- The 787's wings are made from carbon fiber composite spars and aluminum ribs, allowing for high flexibility and a higher aspect ratio.
- The supercritical wing design of the 787 increases the critical mach number, reducing wave drag and increasing lift at higher angles of attack.
- The 787 features a Hybrid Laminar Flow Control system to delay and control turbulent flow, reducing drag and fuel burn.
- Titanium is used in the 787's construction to prevent galvanic corrosion between carbon fiber composites and aluminum.
- 3D printing of titanium parts for the 787 reduces waste and costs, with Norsk Titanium developing a wire-based printing system.
- The 787 uses electrically heated blankets on the wings for de-icing, eliminating the need for bleed air systems and reducing drag.
- The 787's composite construction requires special considerations for lightning strikes, with copper strips initially used for protection.
- The 787's leading edges are made from aluminum for impact resistance and de-icing capabilities.
- The 787's construction eliminates the bleed air system, reducing weight, complexity, and fuel consumption.
- Nebula offers an hour-long version of the video with additional information, available through a bundle deal with CuriosityStream.
- Supporting the channel through Nebula allows for early access to videos, ad-free viewing, and exclusive content like podcasts and documentaries.
- The CuriosityStream and Nebula bundle deal provides access to a wide range of documentaries and exclusive content for just over $1 a month.
- Signing up for the bundle deal supports the channel and allows for the creation of more content on Nebula and YouTube.
- The channel offers a variety of content on Nebula, including early video releases, ad-free viewing, and exclusive series like Logistics of D-Day and Genesis podcast.
