Hemp fiber composites for the design of a Naca cowling for ultra-light aviation

The present study focuses on the design of a Naca cowling of an acrobatic ultra-light airplane, where the traditional woven glass/epoxy laminate utilized for the production has been replaced by woven hemp reinforced epoxy composite. Specialized software (Fluent and ANSYS) was used for configuration, design and analysis. The results showed comparable mechanical performance, about same weight, but easier disposal and better eco-friendly characteristics as compared to their synthetic counterpart. The engine cover, produced by the use of hemp/epoxy composites, demonstrates the effective possibility to produce semi-structural aeronautical components using natural fiber composites in substitution of glass ones. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.