Originally Posted by
terrymorse
The truth is that carbon fiber composite is amazingly resistant to fatigue -- way, way better than metals. When I write that carbon fiber "does not fatigue", that is for real world applications true -- if the composite was properly designed and manufactured. Fatigue life is one of the features driving increased CF use in aircraft:
FAA Report 2011
The other truth about composite structures is that they are complex, and manufacturing defects can occur that may alter their fatigue life. That's why well-designed composites include a margin of safety. Even with this margin of safety, CF's still stronger, lighter, and much longer lasting than an equivalent metal structure.
What I don't get is why people want to compare plane wings and fuselages with bike frames.
The materials and build process are are not identical, and the structures, forces, designs, and function are not at all similar
what should be also be noted is that there are lots of different building methods using carbon composites in order to max out material strengths. Pre Preg, heat bonding and curing, resin and vacuum bag, positive form, negative form etc