The type of jet engine used on most large commercial aircraft is called a turbofan jet engine because it has a large wheel at the front of the engine that propels air rearward. Most of this air bypasses the engine, but bypass air significantly increases thrust and efficiency of these engines. Some engine manufacturers are now using carbon fiber-epoxy composites rather than traditional aluminum blades.
(a) What materials properties do you think an engineer must consider when selecting a material for this application? Be as specific as possible.
(b) What benefits do you think carbon fiber epoxy composites have compared to aluminum alloys? What limitations or possible downsides could there be to using a carbon fiber epoxy composite?